Elective amputation of the upper limb is an option in the treatment of traumatic injuries of the brachial plexus?

• Main Authors: Mário Gilberto Siqueira, Roberto Sérgio Martins, Carlos Otto Heise, Luciano Foroni
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Academia Brasileira de Neurologia (ABNEURO)
• Series: Arquivos de Neuro-Psiquiatria
• Subjects: neuropatias do plexo braquial; amputação; extremidade superior; dor por deaferentação; membros artificiais
• Online Access: http://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0004-282X2017000900667&lng=en&tlng=en

ABSTRACT The treatment of complete post-traumatic brachial plexus palsy resulting in a flail shoulder and upper extremity remains a challenge to peripheral nerve surgeons. The option of upper limb amputation is controversial and scarcely discussed in the literature. We believe that elective amputation still has a role in the treatment of select cases. The pros and cons of the procedure should be intensely discussed with the patient by a multidisciplinary team. Better outcomes are usually achieved in active patients who strongly advocate for the procedure.