薄层连续MRI扫描描记臂丛神经

目的 通过薄层连续MRI扫描显示臂丛神经形态。方法 采用1．5-T MRI(GE，Signa)对6例健康志愿者行双侧臂丛神经斜矢状位和冠状位扫描，确认其与周围组织解剖定位关系，并观察其走行和分支情况。结果 所有志愿者的臂丛神经均得到了较好的显示，斜矢状位T2加权压脂可明显显示臂丛神经及部分神经束，特别是神经根出口处可以得到很好的显示。结论 薄层连续MRI扫描可以显示臂丛神经的形态，可以提高其对臂丛损伤的诊断。     

Brachial plexus anesthesia

Infiltration of the brachial plexus through the supraclavicular fossa affords satisfactory anesthesia in the upper extremity when other factors preclude the use of general anesthesia. The brachial plexus crosses the first rib in an investment of fascia derived from the sheaths of the scalenus muscles and the prevertebral fascia; its medial aspect lies in relation to the first rib. The derivation and divisions of the plexus are described; these relationships indicate the need for injections at various points to ensure adequate infiltration and satisfactory anesthesia.     

Brachial plexus blockade

Brachial plexus block is an excellent alternative to generalanaesthesia for a wide variety of upper limb procedures anda useful analgesic component for some of the other more majorelective and emergency procedures. The vast majority of orthopaedic,plastic and vascular operations can be carried out safely usingone of 2 blocks, i.e. the axillary or interscalene, allowingskill and experience to be concentrated. These blocks provideefficacy with fewest significant adverse effects and their reliableperformance can best be achieved using the peripheral nervestimulator. By combining ease of performance with efficacy,it is hoped that many more practitioners will consider usingthese techniques in routine clinical practice.     

Brachial plexus neuropathy

Branchial plexus neuropathy is characterized by acute onset of intense pain in the shoulder or arm followed shortly by focal muscle weakness. This presentation may mislead the clinician into diagnosing shoulder or cervical spine pathology. Although brachial plexus neuropathy is not common, it should be considered in the differential diagnosis of pain and weakness of the arm. We present a patient with brachial plexus neuropathy who was originally misdiagnosed as having a cervical disc herniation.     

Brachial plexus block

A supraclavicular brachial plexus block was performed which resulted in unilateral sensory and motor blockade of the thoracic and abdominal walls. General anaesthesia was therefore used and postoperatively it was noticed that analgesia of the upper limb had developed. It is likely that the blockade resulted from an intrapleural injection of local anaesthetic.     

Brachial plexus injuries

Severe trauma to the brachial plexus most often occurs in young adult men and is a crippling injury that requires management in a timely fashion for optimal functional recovery and pain control. The surgical management of such injuries is well established, and the techniques continue to evolve. Current management options consist of primary repair in the acute setting, neurolysis, neuroma resection and nerve grafting, motor and sensory nerve transfers, and muscle and tendon transfers. Shoulder andwrist fusion can also play a role in the overall management of these patients. The best operative plan varies depending on the patient's level and extent of injury and the surgeon's preference and experience. The pre- and postoperative care of these patients is ideally managed by a team that has experience with such problems, including personnel knowledgeable in their postoperative rehabilitation. The total reconstructive process generally consists of more than one operation, and the postoperative rehabilitation is long and intensive. Nevertheless, with a highly motivated patient and a dedicated and specialized surgical team, the prognosis for functional recovery is good, and these patients can still lead productive and satisfying lives.     

Brachial plexus root avulsions

The majority of adult brachial plexus palsies are posttraumatic injuries caused by high-energy forces, usually involving motor vehicles. In infants, brachial plexus palsies commonly represent obstetrical injuries following excessive traction on the plexus during complex or difficult delivery. Most adult injuries, and occasionally those in infants, represent brachial plexus root avulsion injuries that carry serious ramifications from the standpoint of permanent disability of a paralyzed extremity, prolonged recuperation, and significant socioeconomic impact. Modern-day management of root avulsions should focus on early, aggressive microsurgical reconstruction of the brachial plexus, combining various neurotizations with intraplexus and extraplexus ipsilateral and contralateral nerve donors, utilization of vascularized nerve grafts, and finally the use of free vascularized and neurotized muscles. When these multistage microsurgical management techniques are applied early (with complete avulsions) they may often result in significant return of neurologic function, especially in young patients. Amputation should be looked upon as an option only when these newer microsurgery techniques have failed.     

Brachial plexus injury following brachial plexus block

A patient developed paralysis over the left upper limb 2 days after an otherwise uneventful supraclavicular brachial plexus block. Symptoms continued for 8 weeks after the block. The various possible causes for this complication are discussed. Although brachial plexus injury following the block is rare, some recommendations are made to reduce the incidence of this complication.