Preoperative assessment of the adult plexus patient.

Methods of assessing brachial plexus lesions are presented in relation ot the type of lesion, the severity, the prognosis, and the timing of nerve repair and reconstructive surgery. A careful physical examination of both muscles and sensory function, the sweating concordance, and the Tinel sign are considered the most important aspects of assessment which is completed by electromyography (evoked potentials), radiographs, magnetic resonance imaging, and contrast computerised axial tomography (CT scanning). Contrast-CT is considered the most reliable investigation to reveal root avulsion from the cord. An assessment chart able to show the extent and location of the lesion at a glance is included.