Abstract
1. Twenty-nine patients with traction lesions of the brachial plexus have been studied.
2. The methods of study have been by clinical examination, by operative exploration and biopsy and by examination of axon reflexes.
3. Results in each of these sections have been related to the progress of the lesions.
4. The results suggest: a) that the reason for the generally poor prognosis in traction lesions of the brachial plexus is the frequency of intradural preganglionic damage and of tearing apart of the plexus; b) that the former occurrence can with some accuracy be diagnosed by examination of axon reflexes and that the latter can be detected at operation.
5. Indications for operative exploration are given and a plan is outlined for the management of these cases.
