Related Experiment Video

Updated: Oct 17, 2026

Development of a Neonatal Rat Model for Brachial Plexus Birth Injury
09:42

Development of a Neonatal Rat Model for Brachial Plexus Birth Injury

Published on: March 27, 2026

Brachial plexus gunshot injury in an infant

M F Stancić1, M Potocnjak, V Micović

  • 1Department of Neurosurgery, General Hospital Pula, Zagrebacka 30, HR-52100 Pula, Croatia. marin.stancic@pu.tel.hr

Child'S Nervous System : Chns : Official Journal of the International Society for Pediatric Neurosurgery
|February 9, 2000
PubMed

Insights

This case study details an infant's gunshot brachial plexus injury. Complete motor and sensory recovery occurred due to nerve regeneration and brain plasticity.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Surgery
  • Neuroscience
  • Regenerative Medicine

Background:

  • Brachial plexus injuries in infants are rare and can lead to significant functional deficits.
  • Gunshot wounds are an unusual mechanism of injury for the brachial plexus, especially in pediatric cases.

Observation:

  • An infant sustained a gunshot lesion to the brachial plexus.
  • Intraoperative nerve action potential recordings guided surgical intervention, including posterior cord neurolysis and medial/lateral cord grafting.

Findings:

  • Following surgical repair and a 3-year follow-up period, the infant demonstrated complete recovery of both motor and sensory functions.
  • The recovery highlights the remarkable capacity for nerve regeneration and brain plasticity in infants.

Implications:

  • This case underscores the potential for significant functional recovery following severe brachial plexus injuries in infants.
  • It suggests that prompt surgical intervention combined with the inherent regenerative potential of the pediatric nervous system can lead to excellent outcomes.
  • Further research into pediatric nerve regeneration mechanisms could inform future treatment strategies for similar injuries.

More Related Videos

Methods for In Vivo Biomechanical Testing on Brachial Plexus in Neonatal Piglets06:51

Methods for In Vivo Biomechanical Testing on Brachial Plexus in Neonatal Piglets

Published on: December 19, 2019

Related Concept Videos

Spinal Nerves: Plexus I01:22

Spinal Nerves: Plexus I

Nerve plexuses are networks of interlacing nerves that serve as communication hubs to distribute and organize nerve action across various body regions. The nerve plexuses are organized into the cervical plexus located in the neck region, brachial plexus in the shoulder area, lumbar plexus found in the lower back, sacral plexus situated in the pelvis, and coccygeal plexus located in the coccygeal region.
The Cervical Plexus
The cervical plexus, formed by the anterior rami of the first four...
Hand Control During Infancy and Toddlerhood01:31

Hand Control During Infancy and Toddlerhood

Hand movements during infancy and toddlerhood develop from broad, relatively uncontrolled actions into increasingly precise fine motor skills. This progression depends on nervous system maturation, improved muscle control, and repeated interaction with objects. Early reflexive movements gradually give way to intentional reaching, grasping, object manipulation, and tool use.Early Grasping SkillsNewborns show a strong palmar grasp reflex, automatically closing their fingers when the palm is...
Flail Chest-II01:26

Flail Chest-II

Managing flail chest, a condition characterized by a segment of the chest wall moving independently from the rest of the thoracic cage, requires a comprehensive approach. It includes a thorough assessment of the patient's condition, a diagnostic evaluation to determine the extent of the injury, and the implementation of appropriate medical interventions tailored to the individual's needs.
Assessment:
1. Clinical Evaluation:
History:
Early Reflexes During Infancy01:26

Early Reflexes During Infancy

Early reflexes are automatic, involuntary responses to specific stimuli and provide information about neurological development during infancy. Some reflexes are present at birth or appear soon afterward. Known as primitive reflexes, they support early survival and adaptation.Primitive ReflexesPrimitive reflexes help newborns respond to their environment before voluntary motor control develops. The rooting reflex causes an infant to turn toward stimulation near the mouth, helping the infant...