Brachial plexus traction injuries.

Abstract

Brachial plexus traction injuries most frequently occur following acute flexion or extension of the neck. The symptomatology following this injury may be defined clearly into the anatomic patterns of upper trunk, lower trunk, posterior cord, medial cord, and lateral cord radiations. This injury is the most common cause of the neurogenic form of thoracic outlet syndrome and is frequently seen in conjunction with cervical spine disease as well as peripheral entrapment syndromes of the ulnar, radial, and medial nerves.