Cervical and Upper Limb Peripheral Nerve Injuries in Adults: Electrodiagnostic Studies and Symptoms

Background: Peripheral nerve injury (PNI), due to upper extremity and cervical trauma can impair hand function, as well as affect quality of life. Objectives: In this study we aimed to evaluate clinical symptoms and electrodiagnostic findings in traumatic upper extremity PNI. Methods: A total of 106 traumatic patients with upper extremity peripheral nerve injuries were recruited and completed a physical examination. In addition, an electrodiagnostic study was performed to investigate detailed pattern of nerve lesions. Results: Of 106 patients, 88 were males with a mean age of 36.6 ± 14.91. Thirty-three patients had an involvement in the forearm area and 20 of them had an injury of the shoulder girdle. Twenty-one had ulnar nerve injury, 8 had median, and 8 had radial nerve involvement. Furthermore, the ulnar nerve was the most common nerve injury among other nerve involvements. Only 10 patients had plexopathy and 10 other had radiculopathy. Conclusions: Ulnar nerve lesions were highly prevalent in upper limb trauma followed with brachial plexopathy and radiculopathy. The forearm and shoulder girdle are more susceptible to nerve injury.

Cervical and Upper Limb Peripheral Nerve Injuries in Adults: Electrodiagnostic Studies and Symptoms Keywords:

Trauma , nervous system , Upper Extremity , Electrodiagnostic Study