Brachial plexus injuries

Right Decisions
South East Scotland Major Trauma Guidelines
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Orthopaedics/plastics
Brachial plexus injuries

Please update your RDS mobile app to version 4.7.1

We are pleased to advise that deep linking capability, enabling users to directly download individual mobile toolkits, has now been released on the RDS mobile app. When you install the update, you will see that each toolkit has a small QR code icon the header area beside the search icon – see screenshot below. Clicking on this icon will open up a window with a full-size QR code and the alternative of a short URL for sharing with users. Instructions are provided.

You may need to actively install the update to install RDS app version 4.7.1 to see this improvement. Installing this update is also strongly recommended to get the full benefits of the new contingency arrangements – specifically, that if the RDS website should fail, you will still be able to download new mobile app toolkits.

To check your current RDS version, click on the three dots bottom right of the RDS app screen. This takes you to a “More” page where you will see the version number. To install latest updates:

On iPhones – go to the Apple store, click on your profile icon top right, scroll down to see the apps waiting to be updated and update the RDS app.

On Android phones – these can vary, but try going to the Google Play store, click on your profile icon top right, click on “Manage apps and device”, select and update the RDS app.

Please get in touch with ann.wales3@nhs.scot with any questions.

Please also refer to the Brachial Plexus website. There is a national brachial plexus injury service at the New Victoria Hospital, Glasgow that should be contacted within 48 hours of identification of injury or immediately if there is vascular injury or an open wound.

Risk Factors:

High speed RTC, especially motorcycle.
Fracture or dislocation of shoulder, scapular or elbow.
Open injury to neck, arm or upper quadrant of trunk.
Arterial injury in upper limb.
Traction injury to upper limb.

Signs:

Swelling above and/or below the clavicle.
Horners sign.
Severe pain in upper limb.
Paralysis.
Sensory loss.

Last reviewed: 01/09/2021

Next review date: 01/09/2024

Version: 1.0

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