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

Abstract

Background: Peripheral nerve injury (PNI), due to upper extremity and cervical trauma could impair hand function, as well as affect quality of life at work and in society. Diagnosis and treatment of these patients is important Objectives: In this study we aim to evaluate clinical symptoms and electrodiagnostic findings in traumatic upper extremity PNI. Methods: A total of 106 traumatic patients with any clinical doubt of 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 in shoulder girdle. Twenty-one had ulnar nerve injury, 8 had median, and 8 had radial nerve involvement. Furthermore, 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 lesion is highly prevalent in upper limb trauma followed with brachial plexopathy and radiculopathy. Forearm and shoulder girdle is more susceptible to nerve injury during traumas