Epidemiology of Brachial Plexus Injury in North Indian Tertiary Care Hospital: A Retrospective Study

Abstract

Introduction: Epidemiological studies on Brachial Plexus Injuries (BPI) are in limited numbers. Such epidemiological factors can be different in different countries. Aim: To determine the epidemiological factors on brachial plexus injuries in North Indian tertiary care hospital. Materials and Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted in which all patients of brachial plexus injury who underwent surgery for same in Department of Plastic Surgery of a tertiary care hospital in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India from January 2017 to December 2019 were included. Those who were managed conservatively were excluded from study. Their demographic and epidemiological factors like type of injury, limb involvement, nature of trauma were evaluated. Data was tabulated and results were expressed in terms of numbers and percentages. Results: There were total 221 patients,out of which 147 patients had pan brachial plexus involvement and 74 patients suffered from partial involvement of brachial plexus roots. Majority of the patients had their right upper limb involved (n=139). Motor cycle accidents (n=155) were the primary cause followed by four wheeler accident (n=25) and fall from height (n=18). Conclusion: Brachial plexus injury is a challenge for surgeons. Road Traffic Accidents are the dominant cause of these injuries and among them motorcycle accidents remained the major cause.