Compensatory motions present in adults with traumatic brachial plexus injuries during activities of daily living

Traumatic brachial plexus injuries (BPI) are debilitating and result in lifelong upper extremity dysfunction. Surgical restoration of motor function relies on salvageable nerves and muscles for transfer procedures. Kinematic data from subjects after a brachial plexus reconstruction was analysed during activities of daily living (ADLs). Significant compensatory trunk motion was evident for subjects, along with clinically relevant changes in shoulder and elbow motion. The kinematic analysis can provide insight for surgical advances aimed at restoring motor function after a BPI.