[Motor function study in traumatic lesions of the brachial plexus]

The muscular tone of flexors and extensors was studied in dynamics in patients with trauma of the brachial plexus. The study involved measurement of mechanical resistance of a passive limb periodical movements at the elbow joint. The electrogram was registered synchronously with the mechanogram to study the reactions of the agonists and the antagonists. The results made it possible to judge the maintenance of nerve conduction along the efferent and afferent pathways. The method also enabled the authors to determine the degree of disorders and restoration of functioning of the neuro-muscular connections and to reveal the presence of pathological nerve connections which formed as a result of the trauma and interfered with the performance of voluntary movements. The character of the mechanical reaction of the muscles to passive movements allowed judgement of the presence of muscular contractures or stiffness of the joint.