CONSIDERATIONS FOR PROSTHETIC MANAGEMENT OF ELECTIVE UPPER LIMB AMPUTATION FOLLOWING BRACHIAL PLEXOPATHY INJURY WITH AN ILLUSTRATIVE CASE STUDY

Abstract

Most major upper limb amputations result from trauma. Occasionally, these traumatic injuries include localized injury to the nerves of the brachial plexus. Patients may seek elective amputation following severe brachial plexus injury (BPI) [1]. The evaluation and development of a prosthetic treatment plan for this cohort often involves surgical considerations prior to prosthetic intervention. This paper will review the types of injuries that can be sustained to the brachial plexus nerve complex as well as surgical options associated with brachial plexopathy cases. A representative case study will document the surgical and prosthetic considerations of an individual that was involved in a motor vehicle accident that left him with a flail upper limb secondary to BPI. For this case presentation long term follow-up, patient perceptions and functionality will be discussed.