BRACHIAL PLEXUS INJURY-FLAIL ARM

SUMMARY

REASONS TO NOT AMPUTATE THE ARM
1. Patient preference not to amputate the arm.
2. Cosmesis, affects body image, depression.
3. Potential risks & complications assoc. with surgery.
4. Persistent pain even after amputation: nociceptive, neuropathic, phantom limb pain.
5. Unable to use Stanmore prosthesis.

REASONS TO AMPUTATE THE ARM
1. Recurrent shoulder dislocation.
2. Pain: nociceptive, neuropathic.
3. Difficulty donning and doffing clothes.
3. Increased risk of injury, wounds, wound infection and osteomyelitis leading to life-threatening sepsis.
4. Upper limb DVT and embolization of thrombus.
5. Nuisance.
6. Able to use functional prosthesis.

Reference(s)

Cifu, D.X. (2020). Braddom’s physical medicine and rehabilitation. Elsevier. Get it on Amazon.
Cuccurullo, S. (2019). Physical medicine and rehabilitation board review. New York: Demosmedical. Get it on Amazon.
O’Young, B., Young, M.A. and Stiens, S.A. (2008). Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Secrets. Mosby. Get it on Amazon.