Citation

Feinberg JH, Radecki J, Wolfe SW, Strauss HL, Mintz DN. HSS J 2008; 4(1): 87-95.

Affiliation

Department of Physiatry, Hospital for Special Surgery, 523 East 72nd Street, 2nd Floor, New York, NY 10021, USA. FeinbergJ@HSS.EDU

Copyright

(Copyright © 2008, Holtzbrinck Springer Nature Publishing Group)

DOI

10.1007/s11420-007-9064-1

PMID

18751870

PMCID

PMC2504282

Abstract

Electromyography (EMG) studies are a useful tool in anatomical localization of peripheral nerve and brachial plexus injuries. They are especially helpful in distinguishing between brachial plexopathy and nerve root injuries where surgical intervention may be indicated. EMG can also assist in providing prognostic information after nerve injury as well as after nerve repair. In this case report, a football player presented with weakness in his right upper limb after a traction/traumatic injury to the right brachial plexus. EMG studies revealed evidence of both pre- and postganglionic injury to multiple cervical roots. The injury was substantial enough to cause nerve root avulsions involving the C6 and C7 levels. Surgical referral led to nerve grafts targeted at regaining function in shoulder abduction and elbow flexion. After surgery, the patient's progress was monitored utilizing EMG to assist in identifying true axonal regeneration.

Keywords: American football

Language: en