Brachial plexus root avulsion: role of myelography--review of diagnostic procedures.

Myelographic evidence of traumatic meningocele in brachial plexus injuries has been considered to be pathognomonic of root avulsion. Two such cases with myelographic evidence of root avulsion with excellent recovery at those levels are presented. Various diagnostic procedures in brachial plexus injuries are critically reviewed. The sequence in which these tests are of diagnostic value are: 1) clinical evaluation, motor and sensory, from the time of admission; 2) electroneuromyography at 2-3 weeks following injury; 3) axon reflex response at 2-3 weeks; 4) myelography; 5) very rarely, surgical exploration.