Brachial plexus injury: a survey of incidence and referral pattern

The aim of this study was to establish the incidence and the pattern of referral of injuries to the brachial plexus for a single calendar year: 1987. A questionnaire was sent to every orthopaedic consultant and referral centre in the United Kingdom. Replies were received from 402 surgeons. It is estimated that in 1987 there were at least 336 patients with traumatic injuries and 137 patients with other problems related to the plexus. Only 145 patients were seen at a referral centre. The anatomical nature, mode of injury and methods of treatment were analysed for both the referred and unreferred patients. We found that injuries to the brachial plexus are far more common than is generally appreciated, but only a minority of patients are referred for specialist evaluation and treatment.