Risk for Persistent Peripheral Neuropathy After Repair of Brachial Artery Injuries

Background Brachial artery lacerations are limb-threatening injuries requiring emergent repair. Concomitant peripheral nerve symptoms are often only identified postoperatively. This study evaluated the prevalence of peripheral nerve deficits among this population as the indications for early nerve exploration have not been definitively established. Methods We reviewed all patients sustaining a brachial artery injury at one pediatric and two adult Level I Trauma Centers between January 1, 2007, and December 31, 2017. We recorded patient demographics, comorbidities, intoxication status, injury mechanism, concomitant injuries, type of repair, and intraoperative peripheral nerve exploration findings. Pre-and post-operative and long-term peripheral nerve function examination findings were analyzed. Differences between categorical variables were determined with Chi-square and Fisher's exact tests. Results Thirty-four patients sustained traumatic brachial artery lacerations requiring operative repair. Injury mechanisms included tidy (clean cut) laceration (n=11, 32%), gunshot wound (n=9, 26%), blunt trauma (n=8, 24%), and untidy laceration (n=6, 18%). Preoperatively, 15% had a normal peripheral nerve examination, 26% had localizable symptoms, 38% had non-localizable symptoms, and 21% were taken to the operating room without formal nerve assessment. Thirty-two percent underwent formal nerve exploration, and 81% underwent nerve repair. At an average follow-up of 2.5 years, 27% of patients underwent exploration, and 39% did not have localizable peripheral nerve deficits (p=0.705). Conclusions Brachial artery injuries are associated with a clinically significant risk for long-term peripheral nerve symptoms. Early nerve exploration in patients with peripheral nerve symptoms after a brachial artery injury may be warranted, although there is no statistically significant likelihood for improved peripheral neurological outcomes.