Intraoperative brachial plexus injury during emergence following movement with arms restrained: a preventable complication?
2007

Brachial Plexus Injury During Surgery: A Case Report

Sample size: 1 publication Evidence: low

Author Information

Author(s): Chandler Mark H, DiMatteo Laura, Hasenboehler Erik A, Temple Michael

Primary Institution: Denver Health Medical Center

Hypothesis

Can unexpected patient movement during surgery with restrained arms lead to brachial plexus injury?

Conclusion

Restraining arms during general anesthesia is important, but extra caution is needed to prevent unexpected movements that can cause injury.

Supporting Evidence

  • Brachial plexus injuries are common in the perioperative setting.
  • The patient regained full function and sensation of his left arm after three months.
  • Unexpected movements during surgery can lead to serious nerve injuries.

Takeaway

If a patient tries to move while their arms are tied down during surgery, they can hurt their arm nerves. It's important to be careful to stop this from happening.

Methodology

Case report of an 18-year-old patient who suffered a brachial plexus injury during surgery after attempting to sit up with restrained arms.

Limitations

The study is based on a single case report, limiting generalizability.

Participant Demographics

18-year-old male, 63 kg, otherwise healthy.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1754-9493-1-8

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