Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 20, 2026

Methods for In Vivo Biomechanical Testing on Brachial Plexus in Neonatal Piglets
Published on: December 19, 2019
Prognostic value of needle electromyography in traumatic brachial plexus injury
David M Impastato1, Katherine A Impastato2, Parinaz Dabestani2
1Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington.
Introduction:
In this study we aimed to determine whether needle electromyographic assessment of voluntary motor unit recruitment in traumatic brachial plexus injuries could predict spontaneous motor recovery.
Methods:
A retrospective study was performed on patients with brachial plexus injury affecting deltoid, supraspinatus/infraspinatus, and biceps brachii. The outcome measure was strength on manual muscle testing at least 1 year after injury. Good outcome was considered strength >3/5 on the Medical Research Council (MRC) scale.
Results:
No muscles with no recruitment (n = 27) at 1-9 months improved to MRC 4/5 strength at a mean of 2.0 years postinjury. Twenty-five percent of muscles with discrete or severely reduced recruitment (n = 8) regained strength to >3/5 at a mean of 1.4 years postinjury (P = .047).
Discussion:
Absent voluntary motor unit potential recruitment at 1-9 months predicted poor prognosis for spontaneous recovery. A high percentage of patients with discrete recruitment did not improve to >3/5 strength. These patients should be considered for early nerve transfer surgery.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Spinal Nerves: Plexus I
The Cervical Plexus
The cervical plexus, formed by the anterior rami of the first four...
Spinal Nerves: Plexus II
The Lumbar Plexus
The lumbar plexus is situated within the lumbar region of the back and is primarily formed by the first four lumbar spinal nerves (L1 to L4). This plexus extends its branches into several nerves, including the...
Traumatic Memory
Assessment of blood pressure in brachial artery(one-step method)
Prepare for the Procedure:
Assessment of blood pressure in brachial artery(two-step method)
Post-traumatic Stress Disorder
Symptoms and Behavioral Manifestations
A spectrum of distressing symptoms characterizes PTSD. Recurrent flashbacks, where individuals involuntarily relive traumatic events,...

