We present our experience of managing patients
with iatropathic brachial plexus injury after delayed fixation of
a fracture of the clavicle. It is a retrospective cohort study of
patients treated at our peripheral nerve injury unit and a single
illustrative case report. We identified 21 patients in whom a brachial
plexus injury occurred as a direct consequence of fixation of a
fracture of the clavicle between September 2000 and September 2011. The predominant injury involved the C5/C6 nerves, upper trunk,
lateral cord and the suprascapular nerve. In all patients, the injured
nerve was found to be tethered to the under surface of the clavicle
by scar tissue at the site of the fracture and was usually associated
with pathognomonic neuropathic pain and paralysis. Delayed fixation of a fracture of the clavicle, especially between
two and four weeks after injury, can result in iatropathic brachial
plexus injury. The risk can be reduced by thorough release of the
tissues from the inferior surface of the clavicle before mobilisation
of the fracture fragments. If features of nerve damage appear post-operatively
urgent specialist referral is recommended. Cite this article:
