Prognosis of nerve injuries

Nerve injury

Most injuries recover spontaneously but there is a difference by location. 40 % of C5-6 injuries, 18 % of C5-7 injuries and 5 % of C5-T1 injuries (flail arm) recover. Injuries that are progressive , eg. hematoma, compartment syndrome, and pseudoaneurysm need immediate attention and often surgery. Progression of Tinel's sign can be used to follow recovery.

Repair of lacerations should be done acutely for sharp injuries (first three days) but after several weeks for a blunt injury to allow definition of injury. Penetrating injuries can be explored early, gunshot wounds if contiguous after 3 months, or EMG or SEP every three months.