Bracial Plexus

Question 1

What causes upper brachial plexus injuries?

Answer 1

Excessive increase in angle between neck and shoulder

Trauma
Excessive traction of baby’s neck during birth

Question 2

What nerve roots and movements are affected in upper BP injury?

Answer 2

C5- shoulder abduction and external rotation

C6- elbow flexion, wrist extension and supination

Question 3

What position is the limb in an upper injury and what is it called?

Answer 3

Internal rotation, adducted arm and extended elbow (waiters tip)

Erb’s palsy

Question 4

What causes lower brachial plexus injuries?

Answer 4

Forced hyperextension or hyperabduction

Fall from height and grabbing tree branch

Question 5

What nerve roots and movements are affected in a lower injury?

Answer 5

C8- finger flexion and finger extension

T1- finger adduction and abduction

Question 6

How does the hand appear in a lower injury?

Answer 6

Claw hand

Question 7

What are lower brachial plexus injuries called?

Answer 7

Klumpke’s palsy