Sari Pustaka Brachial Plexus Injury

Brachial Plexus Injury (BPI) is one of the most complex peripheral nerve injuries, causing significant functional impairment of the upper extremities and substantially reducing patients' quality of life. The increasing incidence of BPI, particularly in productive-age individuals due to high-energy trauma such as motorcycle accidents, underscores the urgent need for a comprehensive understanding of its epidemiology, diagnosis, management, and rehabilitation. This study aims to synthesize current scientific evidence on BPI through a systematic literature review. Data were collected from PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar using relevant keywords, with inclusion criteria limited to peer-reviewed articles published within the last 10–15 years. Qualitative descriptive analysis was employed to organize findings into key thematic areas. The results indicate that BPI predominantly affects young adult males through high-energy traction injuries, most frequently involving the upper trunk (C5–C6). Accurate diagnosis requires a combination of clinical examination, electromyography, nerve conduction studies, MRI, and CT-myelography to differentiate preganglionic from postganglionic lesions. Surgical reconstruction, including nerve grafting, nerve transfer, and free functional muscle transfer, yields optimal outcomes when performed within 3–6 months post-injury. Multidisciplinary rehabilitation is essential to restore upper limb function and prevent long-term disability. However, significant variation in clinical practice and the absence of standardized global guidelines remain major challenges, particularly in developing countries with limited microsurgical infrastructure and delayed referral systems. In conclusion, an integrated approach encompassing timely diagnosis, individualized surgical reconstruction, and structured rehabilitation is critical to improving functional outcomes in BPI patients globally.