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 can impair hand function, as well as affect quality of life. Objectives: In this study we aimed to evaluate clinical symptoms and electrodiagnostic findings in traumatic upper extremity PNI. Methods: A total of 106 traumatic patients with 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 of the shoulder girdle. Twenty-one had ulnar nerve injury, 8 had median, and 8 had radial nerve involvement. Furthermore, the 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 lesions were highly prevalent in upper limb trauma followed with brachial plexopathy and radiculopathy. The forearm and shoulder girdle are more susceptible to nerve injury.