Magnetic resonance imaging of traumatic brachial plexus injuries

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this study is to evaluate role of MRI in diagnosing brachial plexus injuries, to evaluate site of injury and to differentiate pre and post ganglionic injury in all age group patients who have history of trauma.Patients and methods: This study include 22 patients (18 male and 4 female) with history of trauma due to fall from height, road traffic accident, impact of heavy objects on shoulder or sports injuries who underwent Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the brachial plexus.Results: In our study, 22 patients with history of trauma and suspicious involvement of brachial plexus were subjected to MRI of the affected side of brachial plexus after initial clinical examination. Out of 22 patients, 59.09 % was postganglionic neuropraxic injury and 40.91 % was preganglionic and root avulsion. The most common component involved in brachial plexus injuries was roots in 68.18% (15 patients) of cases followed by trunks in 63.63% (14 patients) of cases. The most common nerve root segment involved was C6 and C7 in 73.33% (11 patients) of cases followed by C5 in 40.00% (6 patients) of cases. The most common level involved in pseudo meningocele formation was C6-C7 in 88.88% (8 patients) of cases. Multiple segment of root and trunk injury is more common than single segment.Conclusion: Because of exquisite soft tissue contrast resolution, non-invasive nature and multiplanar capabilities of MR imaging make it especially valuable for the detection and assessment of brachial plexus injuries.