Brachial Plexus Injury in Sports Medicine Workup

  • Author: Thomas H Trojian, MD; Chief Editor: Sherwin SW Ho, MD   more...
 
Updated: Jan 5, 2010
 

Laboratory Studies

Lab studies generally are not indicated for the diagnosis of brachial plexus injuries.

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Imaging Studies

Ancillary tests are often limited to radiographic studies.

  • Radiography can be used to rule out bony involvement against peripheral nerves. This is common in patients with severe neck pain, limited ROM, weakness, or chronic pain. Complete cervical spine radiographs often include the following multiple views: anteroposterior (AP), lateral, odontoid view, bilateral, and obliques.
  • Initial radiographs may reveal clues to spinal canal stenosis as a cause of the symptoms experienced. MRI of the spine may likely elucidate any evidence of canal stenosis.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is used to determine any involvement of the cervical spine or nerve roots as the cause of the brachial plexus injury. MRIs should be reserved for athletes with recurrent stingers or symptoms that last more than a week. Clinical judgment is needed as some cases warrant MRI if symptoms persist for more than 24 hours.

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Other Tests

The electromyographic (EMG) studies are rarely necessary in the evaluation of stingers. The delay in development of abnormal activity limits their use to patients who have symptoms that last at least 2 weeks. EMG testing can help the physician confirm diagnosis and localize any possible lesions.

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Contributor Information and Disclosures
Author

Thomas H Trojian, MD  Assistant Professor of Family Medicine, Sports Medicine Fellowship Director, Department of Family Medicine, University of Connecticut School of Medicine; Team Physician, University of Connecticut, Hartford FoxForce

Thomas H Trojian, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Family Physicians, American College of Sports Medicine, American Medical Society for Sports Medicine, and Society of Teachers of Family Medicine

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Specialty Editor Board

Janos P Ertl, MD  Assistant Professor, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine; Chief of Orthopedic Surgery, Wishard Hospital

Janos P Ertl, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, American Orthopaedic Association, Hungarian Medical Association of America, and Sierra Sacramento Valley Medical Society

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Francisco Talavera, PharmD, PhD  Senior Pharmacy Editor, eMedicine

Disclosure: eMedicine Salary Employment

Jon B Whitehurst, MD  Clinical Instructor of Surgery, University of Illinois College of Medicine; Partner, Rockford Orthopedic Associates; Orthopedic Chairman, Rockford Memorial Hospital

Jon B Whitehurst, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine, and Arthroscopy Association of North America

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Chief Editor

Sherwin SW Ho, MD  Associate Professor, Department of Surgery, Section of Orthopedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Chicago

Sherwin SW Ho, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine, and Arthroscopy Association of North America

Disclosure: Breg, Inc. Consulting fee Consulting; Biomet, Inc. Consulting fee Consulting; GMV, Inc. Arthroscopy Simulator Evaluation and teaching; Smith and Nephew Grant/research funds Fellowship funding; DJ Ortho Grant/research funds Course funding

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