A Case of Brachial Plexopathy after Liposuction |
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Abstract |
A thirty-nine year old woman developed weakness and pain of her right arm after liposuction. Liposuctionwas performed at the medial side of both upper proximal limbs two months prior to the visit. Physicalexamination revealed weakness of the right upper limb; shoulder flexion and abduction according to manualmuscle testing revealed a strength of grade 4/5(MRC scale) and elbow flexion and extension measuredgrade 3/5(MRC scale). Wrist flexion and extension were grade 3/5(MRC scale) and the intrinsicmuscles of the hand scored 1/5(MRC scale). Touch and pain sensations were reduced on the right forearmand hand. The right deep tendon reflex was decreased.Electrophysiologic studies demonstrated a lesion level at the brachial plexus, with whole cord involvement.We report a patient, diagnosed using electrophysiologic study, who developed right arm weakness andparesthesia due to brachial plexopathy after liposuction of both arms. |
Key Words:
Brachial plexopathy, Nerve injury, Liposuction |
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