Disability following closed traction lesions of the brachial plexus sustained in motor cycle accidents.

102 patients with closed traction lesion of the brachial plexus resulting from motor cycle accidents have been studied. The majority were young men, with the dominant arm involved in 64%. 74% of the patients underwent early operative exploration and 54% of these were amenable to at least partial repair. 65% of the patients had sustained irreparable pre-ganglionic injury to at least three roots of the plexus. 74% of the patients had sustained additional injuries in the accident. Subsequent reconstructive procedures were performed in 26% of patients. 60% of the patients regained employment, but 76% complained of persistent pain in the limb.