Brachial plexus injuries peripheral nerve injuries

Abstract

Evolving microsurgical techniques have significantly changed our attitude to surgical reconstruction of peripheral nerve lesions, including those of the brachial plexus. However, because of the considerable distance the nerves have to regenerate after restoring anatomical continuity in the brachial plexus, the results in adults have been modest, despite the more sophisticated methods available. In contrast, similar methods in children give better results because of their superior capacity for regeneration and the shorter distances involved. The potential for regeneration diminishes gradually after birth, remaining fairly good until adolescence and then deteriorating rapidly after the cessation of growth. © Springer-Verlag London Limited 2010.