Major Findings

This meta-analysis revealed that the typical patient suffering from a severe brachial plexus injury is a male who has been in a motorcycle accident with a closed supraclavicular injury, resulting in a complete or, less commonly, an upper plexus palsy.

Reasons for Causes

Brachial plexus injuries can arise from various causes, which can influence the severity of the injury and the need for treatment.

Common Causes

Closed Brachial Plexus Injury

Closed brachial plexus injuries are the most common type, accounting for approximately 93% of cases. Motorcycle accidents are the leading cause of closed brachial plexus injuries, responsible for about 67% of cases. Car crashes are the second most common cause, accounting for roughly 14% of cases.

Lacerations

Lacerations are a relatively uncommon cause of severe brachial plexus injuries, accounting for approximately 3% of cases.

Gunshot Wounds

Gunshot wounds are also a relatively uncommon cause, responsible for approximately 3% of cases.

Preventive Measures

Motorcycle Accidents

To prevent brachial plexus injuries from motorcycle accidents, riders should wear helmets, adhere to traffic regulations, and practice defensive riding techniques.

Car Crashes

To prevent brachial plexus injuries from car crashes, drivers should follow traffic regulations and practice defensive driving.

Lacerations

To prevent brachial plexus injuries from lacerations, individuals should take appropriate safety precautions when engaging in hazardous tasks and exercise caution when handling sharp objects.

Gunshot Wounds

To prevent brachial plexus injuries from gunshot wounds, individuals should learn safe firearm handling practices and take measures to protect themselves from gun violence.

Comparison of Studies

Similarities

The studies consistently show that brachial plexus injuries are more common in males and that closed brachial plexus injuries are the most frequent cause.

Differences

There is some variability across the studies in terms of the specific types of accidents that contribute to closed brachial plexus injuries.

Real-World Implications

The findings of this study suggest that individuals can reduce their risk of brachial plexus injuries by exercising caution when riding motorcycles or driving cars and by adhering to traffic regulations. Additionally, taking appropriate safety measures during hazardous tasks and handling sharp objects carefully can minimize the risk of lacerations that could lead to such injuries.

Limitations of the Study

This meta-analysis should be interpreted cautiously due to the substantial heterogeneity among the included studies. Furthermore, the study population consisted exclusively of patients who underwent surgery, so data from individuals who did not receive surgical treatment is not included.

Future Research Directions

Further research is needed to gain a more comprehensive understanding of brachial plexus injuries, including their prevention and treatment.

Conclusion

This meta-analysis has demonstrated that the most common cause of severe brachial plexus injuries is closed brachial plexus injury, particularly due to motorcycle accidents and car crashes. It is crucial to follow traffic regulations and practice defensive driving to minimize the risk of these injuries.