Functional deficits as a result of brachial plexus injury in anterior shoulder dislocation

The Epidemiology of Traumatic Brachial Plexus Injuries in England and Wales-A 32-Year Review

Background

Traumatic brachial plexus injuries (TBPI) are often devastating and life-changing and are thought to be becoming more prevalent. Several studies have investigated the epidemiology of TBPI in other countries (e.g., United States, Brazil); however, a similar analysis is yet to be undertaken in England and Wales. The aim of this cohort study was to determine the incidence and epidemiology of TBPI in England and Wales.

Methods

The Trauma Audit and Research Network database was reviewed to identify 1,297 eligible patients admitted with TBPI between 1990 and 2022. Patient demographics, injury mechanism, associated injuries, and outcomes were analyzed.

Results

The median age of patients with TBPI was 41 years, and 77% (n = 997) were male. There was a significant difference in age between male patients and female patients, with male patients aged younger than 18 years (confidence interval 14.4-21.3) at the time of injury. The predominant injury mechanism was vehicle collision (65%), with 62% riding motorcycle or quad bikes. The majority of other injuries resulted from falls less than 2 m (19%). Falls less than 2 m were particularly prevalent in patients aged older than 65 years, who represented 19% of the cohort. TBPI was commonly associated with other injuries (94%), predominately bony injuries including dislocations and fractures.

Conclusion

This is the first epidemiological study of TBPI within England and Wales. Vehicle incidents, particularly involving motorcycles, are the commonest cause of TBPI; however, there is a substantial cohort of elderly patients sustaining TBPI, often from falls. These findings may aid improved and earlier recognition of TBPI, enabling timely management.

Level of Evidence

Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Translation and internal content validation of the Swedish version of the Brachial Assessment Tool (BrAT)

PURPOSE

To translate and culturally adapt the Brachial Assessment Tool (BrAT) into Swedish and evaluate the internal consistency, and internal content validity using Rasch analysis in patients with traumatic brachial plexus injuries (TBPI).

METHODS

The translation was made in accordance with international guidelines. TBPI patients were identified in clinical records. The BrAT-Swe was sent out to patients by post. Internal consistency was assessed using Cronbach alpha and content validity using Rasch analysis evaluating fit to the Rasch model, threshold response, local dependency, dimensionality, differential item functioning (DIF), and targeting.

RESULTS

The translation of the BrAT was completed without major discrepancies. A total of 164 patients completed the BrAT-Swe. Internal consistency ranged from 0.90 to 0.98. Rasch analysis supported the content validity. All subscales demonstrated fit to the model with no local dependency, minimal disordered thresholds and no unidimensionality. Uniform DIF for item 6 by age, was identified. Minimal differences in hierarchical ordering were identified.

CONCLUSIONS

This study presents a Swedish translation of the BrAT (BrAT-Swe) and has demonstrated that the translated BrAT-Swe is well adapted for Swedish circumstances. Analysis supports the internal content validity of the BrAT-Swe as a unidimensional targeted PROM designed to assess activity limitation after TBPI.

Traumatic brachial plexus injuries: a national review of epidemiology in the Scottish population over a 10-year period

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

III.

Prevalence and risk factors for nerve injury following shoulder dislocation

BACKGROUND

The glenohumeral joint dislocation can be associated with major nerve injury. The reported prevalence and risk factors for major nerve injury are variable and this injury can have a severe and life-long impact on the patient. The objectives of this study were to analyse the prevalence of major nerve injury following shoulder dislocation and examine risk factors. Management and outcomes of nerve injury were explored.

METHODS

A 1 year retrospective cohort study of 243 consecutive adults who presented with a shoulder dislocation was performed. Data were collected on patient demographics, timings of investigations, treatment, follow-up, and nerve injury prevalence and management. The primary outcome measure was prevalence of nerve injury. Risk factors for this were analysed using appropriate tests with Stata SE15.1.

RESULTS

Of 243 patients with shoulder dislocation, 14 (6%) had neurological deficit. Primary dislocation (p = 0.004) and older age (p = 0.02) were significantly associated with major nerve injury. Sex, time to successful reduction and force of injury were not associated with major nerve injury in this cohort. Patients with nerve injury made functional recovery to varying degrees. Recurrent shoulder dislocation was common accounting for 133/243 (55%) attendances.

CONCLUSIONS

Shoulder dislocation requires careful assessment and timely management in the ED. A 6% rate of nerve injury following shoulder dislocation was at the lower border of reported rates (5-55%), and primary dislocation and older age were identified as risk factors for nerve injury. We emphasise the importance of referring patients with suspected major nerve injury to specialist services.