[Brachial plexus injuries caused by motor-cycle accidents- catamneses (author's transl)]

During the last eight years we examined 45 patients, mostly juvenile, with brachial plexus injuries arising from motor-cycle and moped accidents. The neurological findings, radiological picture on the myelogramme, sanguineous fluid, different electrodiagnostic examinations and sweat secretion tests provided information on the location of the lesion and the defects to be expected at a later date. However, no method permitted determination of the total extent of the damage. In some cases we observed partial, oftern considerable improvement even in the second and third post-accidential years. Follow-up studies showed the significance of the personality structure as well as social conditions with respect to vocational rehabilitation, and the danger of early resignation. Consequently, rehabilitation efforts should start immediately after the healing of the initially incurred injuries.