INTRODUCTION:Wrist reconstructive procedures commonly use synthetic materials passed through transosseous tunnels to stabilize the carpus. This experimental study compared the tensile mechanical properties of common sutures and synthetic tapes across a bone tunnel edge. We hypothesized that failure would primarily occur at the cortical bone edge owing to abrasion at the suture-bone interface and that increasing strand number would increase construct stiffness and decrease failure. METHODS:Five suture materials (SutureTape, LabralTape, FiberTape, Ethibond, and Mersilene) were tested in one-, two- and four-strand configurations, with 12 constructs per group. Constructs were passed through a 2.5 mm transverse tibial bone tunnel and secured to a servohydraulic testing apparatus with knotless fixation. Testing simulated physiologic scapholunate ligament loading with 1000 cycles from 0 to 100 N at 1.5 Hz followed by ramp loading to 300 N. One-way ANOVA with Tukey post hoc analysis (α = 0.05) evaluated load at failure and percentage elongation. RESULTS:Single-strand SutureTape, Mersilene and Ethibond demonstrated greater elongation at 100 N than single-strand LabralTape and FiberTape (p < 0.001). Mersilene and Ethibond elongated significantly more than SutureTape. Increasing strand number decreased elongation, although not proportionally to the number of strands. Single-strand Ethibond and Mersilene had the highest failure rates and lowest failure loads. No single- or double-strand LabralTape or FiberTape constructs failed at the bone tunnel edge. CONCLUSION:Synthetic suture and tape constructs demonstrated differing mechanical properties and failure modes across a bone tunnel edge. Material selection and strand configuration may influence construct stiffness, elongation, and failure risk for ligament reconstruction.

PURPOSE:Accurate and reliable radiographic measurement is essential to diagnose and evaluate surgical treatment outcomes for scapholunate dissociation (SLD). Although published standards for measuring radiographic parameters have demonstrated excellent interrater and intrarater reliability in normal patients, we were unable to find reliability data for patients with SLD. We hypothesized that six radiographic parameters for SLD would have good reliability in normal and injured patients. METHODS:Wrist radiographs of patients with SLD and a control group of uninjured patients seen at our institution from 2017 to 2020 were reviewed. Radiographs were randomized, anonymized, and evaluated by five raters. A standardized measurement algorithm for each radiographic parameter was developed based on modified Larsen criteria, taught to each reader in repeated group and individual learning sessions and in a video. Raters measured scapholunate gap, radiolunate angle, radioscaphoid angle, scapholunate angle, radio-third metacarpal angle, and dorsal scaphoid translation (DST). Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) measurements were conducted using a two-way random effects model for interrater reliability and a two-way mixed effects model for intrarater reliability. RESULTS:Thirty-two radiographic sets were reviewed by each rater. Scapholunate gap, radiolunate angle , radioscaphoid angle, scapholunate angle, and radio-third metacarpal angle demonstrated "good" to "excellent" interrater and mean intrarater reliability. Although DST was found to have good intrarater reliability (mean ICC = 0.85), interrater reliability was found to be only moderate (ICC = 0.57). CONCLUSIONS:Using a standardized measurement technique, five of six common SLD radiographic parameters demonstrated good-to-excellent interrater and intrarater reliability. DST was the only parameter to demonstrate moderate interrater reliability, highlighting the need for a more reproducible measurement technique to better assess scaphoid dorsal translation in patients with SLD. CLINICAL RELEVANCE:Future diagnostic and clinical outcome studies of SLD should use standardized techniques to measure six common radiographic parameters.

To address an inconsistency in the nomenclature of the anatomy and compressive syndromes of the deep branch of the radial nerve, we advocate for a single compression syndrome that presents along a spectrum from pain to posterior interosseous nerve palsy.

Purpose: Current literature interchangeably uses the terms “middle” and “medial” for the middle collateral artery (MCA). However, the term “medial” implies that the artery is positioned on the medial aspect of the arm, which may lead to misunderstandings in medical education or interdisciplinary communication. Our purpose is to provide anatomic and historical support for the use of the original “middle collateral artery” terminology. Methods: We reviewed a 300-year history of anatomy texts to elucidate the origin of the MCA nomenclature. In three cadaveric specimens, the MCA was dissected following latex infusion and its vascular contribution to three pedicled flaps was demonstrated. In three additional specimens, the arms were imaged with computed tomography and three-dimensional reconstruction following barium sulfate infusion. Results: The term “middle” collateral artery predates the term “medial” collateral artery by 80 years. The origin of the term “medial” collateral artery is likely a mistranslation of the predecessor Latin term, “arteria collateralis media.” Our cadaveric dissections and computed tomography imaging confirmed that the MCA’s course is on the posterolateral side of the arm between the anterolateral-positioned radial collateral artery and the medial-positioned superior ulnar collateral artery. Conclusion: The term “medial” collateral artery is an anatomic misnomer. “Middle” collateral artery, its original name, accurately reflects its posterolateral position in the arm between the radial collateral artery and superior ulnar collateral artery. We recommend that authors use the term “middle” collateral artery based on its anatomical position and recommend discontinuation of the term “medial” collateral artery in the scientific literature. Clinical Relevance: Given the MCA’s surgical significance in reconstructive flaps, nonanatomic labeling of the MCA as “medial” may lead to misunderstandings in medical education and surgical site identification. Replacing a misnomer with an anatomically accurate name would improve professional communication and teaching.

MR neurography sequences provide excellent nerve-to-background soft tissue contrast, whereas a zero echo time (ZTE) MRI sequence provides cortical bone contrast. By demonstrating the spatial relationship between nerves and bones, a combination of rendered three-dimensional (3D) MR neurography and ZTE sequences provides a roadmap for clinical decision-making, particularly for surgical intervention. In this article, the authors describe the method for fused rendering of peripheral nerve and bone by combining nerve and bone structures from 3D MR neurography and 3D ZTE MRI, respectively. The described method includes scanning acquisition, postprocessing that entails deep learning-based reconstruction techniques, and rendering techniques. Representative case examples demonstrate the steps and clinical use of these techniques. Challenges in nerve and bone rendering are also discussed.

Background: The use of large language models (LLMs) such as ChatGPT and Gemini in clinical settings has surged, presenting potential benefits in reducing administrative workload and enhancing patient communication. However, concerns about the clinical accuracy of these tools persist. This study evaluated the concordance of ChatGPT and Gemini's recommendations with American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS) clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) for carpal tunnel syndrome, distal radius fractures, and glenohumeral joint osteoarthritis.Methods: ChatGPT (version 4o) and Gemini (version 1.5 Flash) were queried using structured text-based prompts aligned with AAOS CPGs. The LLMs' outputs were analyzed by blinded reviewers to determine concordance with the guidelines. Concordance rates were compared across models, topics, and guideline strength using descriptive statistics and McNemar's test. The transparency of responses, including source citation, was also assessed.Results: A total of 174 recommendations were generated, with an overall concordance rate of 62.1%. When comparing concordance rates between LLMs, there was no statistically significant difference between ChatGPT and Gemini (66.7% vs 57.5%, P = .131). Concordance varied by topic and guideline strength, with ChatGPT performing best for moderately supported guidelines. Both models demonstrated low citation transparency. Gemini provided sources for 39.1% of recommendations, significantly more than ChatGPT's 3.5% (P < .0001).Conclusions: Despite modest concordance rates, both models exhibited significant limitations, including variability across topics and guideline strengths, as well as insufficient citation transparency. These findings highlight the challenges in integrating LLMs into clinical practice and emphasize the need for further refinement and evaluation before adoption in hand surgery.

Background: Correct localization and characterization of nerve abnormality is of critical importance to appropriate intervention. Ultrasound (US) is known to be accurate in the diagnosis of peripheral neuropathy and in preoperative localization of nerve abnormalities and skin marking.Purpose: We sought to investigate the utility of US-guided preoperative skin marking for the localization of peripheral nerve abnormality and to compare the US findings to electrodiagnostic (EDx) reports.Methods: Using the radiology information system at a single institution, we identified US examinations performed for preoperative localization of peripheral nerve abnormality from July 2016 to March 2023. Data collected included US characterization, surgical description, and EDx report of neuropathy.Results: Search parameters identified 67 nerves in 55 patients treated surgically after US-guided localization of the nerve with skin marking. The EDx characterization was performed in 36 (54%) of these cases. The US diagnoses included neuroma, transection, perineural scarring, hardware impingement, and intraneural fascicular constriction. There was 100% accuracy of US findings as confirmed by operative notes. Skin marking by US guidance correlated to the sites of the nerve documented in operative reports of all 67 cases.Conclusion: In this single-institution retrospective review, US-guided preoperative skin marking of nerve abnormality was used to correctly localize peripheral nerve abnormality, and US diagnoses were corroborated by intraoperative findings. Further higher-level study is needed to support these findings suggesting the efficacy of US in mapping the course of peripheral nerves.

Purpose We quantified the morphology and angulation of the third metacarpal (MC3) relative to the capitate using three-dimensional computed tomography data to inform surgical procedures such as total wrist arthroplasty and wrist arthrodesis. Specifically, we report the three-dimensional location of the intersections of the long axis of MC3 axis with the capitate cortical surface, the sagittal and coronal angles between the MC3 and capitate axes, and the MC3 shaft angle in the sagittal plane. We tested the hypothesis that these metrics did not differ between women and men. Methods Three-dimensional bone models of the capitate and MC3 were analyzed in 130 subjects (61M and 69F). Long axes of the MC3 and capitate were computed. The intersection of the metacarpal long axis with the cortical surface of the capitate, the angle between the metacarpal-capitate axes, and metacarpal shaft angle were calculated and compared between men and women. Results The long axis of the MC3 intersected the capitate at two locations on the outer cortical surface of the capitate. The proximal intersection was located near the midportion of the capitate, whereas the distal intersection was typically located within the capitate-MC3 articulation. The angle between the axes of the capitate and MC3 in the sagittal plane was a mean of 15°, ranging from 5° to 23°. The mean sagittal MC3 shaft angle was 166° and ranged from 158° to 173°.There were only subtle differences in these metrics between the sexes. Conclusions The long axis of the MC3 penetrates the dorsal surface of the capitate about its midportion, but there is notable variation in this location as well as in the angular relationships. Clinical relevance Three-dimensional measurements of the relationships between the third metacarpal and the capitate may serve as an important reference for the placement of intramedullary wires, plates, devices, and prosthetics.

The management of scaphoid nonunion, although relatively common, continues to pose challenges, especially if complicated by avascular necrosis of the proximal pole, humpback or dorsal intercalated segment instability deformities, and early scaphoid nonunion advanced collapse. In this round table article, four surgeons were asked to answer key questions on a clinical example of a proximal scaphoid nonunion to outline their approach and rationale in their preferred treatment choices. The current panel of experts leans towards arthroscopic methods of treatment and most agree that arthroscopic bone grafting has become an important and revolutionary treatment option, which has yielded excellent results. However, both open and arthroscopic grafting are validated methods of treatment and which is to be performed is largely based on the surgeon’s preference.

Background: The addition of epinephrine in irrigation fluid and the intravenous or local administration of tranexamic acid have independently been reported to decrease bleeding, thereby improving surgeons' visualization during arthroscopic shoulder procedures. No study has compared the effect of intravenous tranexamic acid, epinephrine in the irrigation fluid, or the combination of both tranexamic acid and epinephrine on visual clarity during shoulder arthroscopy with a placebo group. We hypothesized that intravenous tranexamic acid is more effective than epinephrine mixed in the irrigation fluid in improving visualization during shoulder arthroscopy, with no additive effect when both are used. Methods: Patients aged >= 18 years undergoing shoulder arthroscopy were randomized into one of 4 study arms: (1) saline irrigation fluid (placebo); (2) epinephrine (0.33 mL of 1:1000 per liter) mixed in irrigation fluid (EPI); (3) 1 g intravenous tranexamic acid (TXA); and (4) epinephrine and tranexamic acid combined (TXA + EPI). Visualization was rated intraoperatively on a scale from 0, indicating poor clarity, to 3, indicating excellent clarity, every 15 minutes and overall. The primary outcome measure was the overall rating of visualization. A stepwise linear regression was performed using visualization as the dependent variable and independent variables including presence or absence of epinephrine and tranexamic acid, surgery duration, complexity, mean arterial pressure, increase in pump pressure, and volume of irrigation fluid. Results: One hundred twenty-eight patients (mean age 56 years) were randomized. Mean visual clarity for the placebo, TXA, EPI, and TXA + EPI groups were 2.0 (+/- 0.6), 2.0 (+/- 0.6), 2.6 (+/- 0.5), and 2.7 (+/- 0.5), respectively (P < .001). The presence or absence of epinephrine was the most significant predictor of visual clarity (P < .001). Tranexamic acid presence or absence had no effect. No adverse events were recorded in any of the groups. Conclusion: Intravenous tranexamic acid is not an effective alternative to epinephrine in irrigation fluid to improve visualization during routine arthroscopic shoulder surgeries, and there is no additive effect when both are used.

Background Surgical management of scaphoid nonunions requires not only stable fixation but restoration of carpal alignment and reconstruction of bone defects. The latter can be done with either vascularized or non-vascularized bone grafts, depending largely on surgeon preference. Materials and Methods This article describes the use of non-vascularized bone grafts for scaphoid nonunions and examines reported outcomes. We also describe the senior author's preferred surgical treatment, the hybrid Russe procedure. Description of Technique The hybrid Russe procedure utilizes a corticocancellous strut from the volar aspect of the distal radius to restore anatomy in scaphoid nonunions with flexion deformities. Once the alignment of the scaphoid and associated lunate postural deformities are corrected, fixation then proceeds with a headless compression screw. This combination resulted in healing of 17 scaphoid fracture nonunions at an average time of 15 weeks. Conclusions The literature does not demonstrate a difference in union rates when comparing the use of vascularized and non-vascularized grafts for scaphoid nonunions. When the proximal pole of the scaphoid can be salvaged, the choice of fixation is left to the surgeon's discretion.

Purpose Anatomical front and back (ANAFAB) reconstruction addresses the critical volar and dorsal ligaments associated with scapholunate dissociation. We hypothesized that patients with symptomatic, chronic, late-stage scapholunate dissociation would demonstrate improvements in all radiographic parameters and patient-reported outcomes (PROMs) after Methods From 2018 to 2021, 21 ANAFAB reconstructions performed by a single surgeon were followed prospectively, with 20 patients having a minimum follow-up of 12 months. In total, 17 men and four women were included, with an average age of 49 years. Three patients had modified Garcia-Elias stage 3 disease, eight stage 4, seven stage 5, and three stage 7. ANAFAB reconstruction of intrinsic and extrinsic ligament stabilizers was performed using a hybrid synthetic tape/tendon graft in a transosseous reconstruction. Pre- and postoperative radiographic parameters, grip, pinch strength, the Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation, PROMIS Upper Extremity Function, and PROMIS Pain Interference outcome measures were compared. Results Mean follow-up was 17.9 months (range: 12-38). Radiographic parameters were improved at follow-up, including the following: scapholunate angle (mean 75.3 degrees preoperatively to 69.2 degrees), scapholunate gap (5.9-4.2 mm), dorsal scaphoid translation (1.2-0.2 mm), and radiolunate angle (13.5 degrees to 1.8 degrees). Mean Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation scores for pain and function decreased from 40.6 before surgery to 10.4. We were unable to detect a significant difference in grip or pinch strength or radioscaphoid angle with the numbers tested. There were two minor complications, and two complications required re-operations, one patient who was converted to a proximal row carpectomy for failure of fixation, and one who required tenolysis/arthrolysis for arthrofibrosis. Conclusions At 17.9-month average follow-up, radiographic and patient-reported outcome parameters improved after reconstruction of the critical dorsal and volar ligament stabilizers of the proximal carpal row with the ANAFAB technique. (J Hand Surg Am. 2024;49(4):329-336. Copyright (c) 2024 by the American Society for Surgery of the Hand. All rights reserved.)

Multiple techniques exist to reconstruct the scapholunate interosseous ligament, though none have demonstrated superiority. This study compares 1-year radiographic outcomes of the three-ligament tenodesis and the anatomical front and back reconstruction. All patients who underwent reconstruction of their scapholunate interosseous ligament at one institution with either anatomical front and back reconstruction or three-ligament tenodesis between 2011 and 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. At 52-week follow-up, anatomical front and back reconstruction maintained a statistically significant improvement in scapholunate gap, corrected radiolunate angle and dorsal scaphoid translation, while three-ligament tenodesis demonstrated no sustained improvement in any parameter. The improvement in dorsal scaphoid translation was significantly greater for patients undergoing anatomical front and back reconstruction compared with three-ligament tenodesis at the 16-weeks postoperative timepoint (−1.0 mm, −0.3 mm). Anatomical front and back reconstruction demonstrates sustained improvement in radiographic outcomes at 1 year when compared with three-ligament tenodesis. By addressing both volar and dorsal critical ligament restraints, adoption of anatomical front and back reconstruction for advanced stage scapholunate interosseous ligament injuries should be considered. Level of evidence: IV

Injuries to the scapholunate joint are the most frequent cause of carpal instability. The sequelae of these injuries account for considerable morbidity, and if left untreated, may lead to scapholunate advanced collapse and progressive deterioration of the carpus. Rupture of the scapholunate interosseous ligament and its critical stabilizers causes dyssynchronous motion between the scaphoid and lunate. Additional ligament injury or attenuation leads to rotary subluxation of the scaphoid and increased scapholunate gap. Intervention for scapholunate instability is aimed at halting the degenerative process by restoring ligament integrity and normalizing carpal kinematics. In the first section of this review, we discuss the anatomy, kinematics, and biomechanical properties of the scapholunate ligament as well as its critical ligament stabilizers. We provide a foundation for understanding the spectrum of scapholunate ligament instability and incorporate meaningful new anatomical insights that influence treatment considerations. The purpose is to provide an update regarding the anatomy of the scapholunate ligament complex, importance of the critical ligament stabilizers of the proximal carpal row, introduction of safe technique to surgically expose the scaphoid and lunate, as well as pathoanatomy as it pertains to the treatment of scapholunate dissociation. In the second section of this review, we propose a novel ligament-based treatment algorithm based on the stage of injury, degree and nature of ligament damage, and presence of arthritic changes.

Intervention for scapholunate instability is aimed at halting the degenerative process by restoring ligament integrity and normalizing carpal kinematics. Part 1 of this Current Concepts article reviewed the anatomy, kinematics, and biomechanical properties of the scapholunate ligament as well as its critical stabilizers. In this section, we provide a foundation for understanding the spectrum of scapholunate ligament instability and incorporate meaningful new anatomical insights that influence treatment considerations. These updates clarify the importance of the critical stabilizers of the scapholunate interval, ligament-specific considerations in scapholunate ligament reconstruction, and the risks of ligament disinsertion when surgically exposing the dorsal wrist. We propose a ligament-based treatment algorithm based on the stage of injury, degree and nature of ligament damage, and presence of arthritic changes.

Hirayama disease is a motor neuron disease predominantly affecting adolescent males. The identifying feature of Hirayama disease is unilateral forearm and intrinsic muscle weakness that spares the brachioradialis, termed "oblique atrophy." Hirayama disease progresses slowly over several years, followed by an abrupt arrest. The pathognomonic finding is the anterior displacement of the cervical spinal cord with the detachment of the posterior dura. Systematic clinical evaluation and appropriate diagnostic studies are crucial to rule out a variety of compressive, immune-mediated, and genetic disorders. We present a patient with Hirayama disease whose hand function was improved dramatically by a tendon transfer after nearly 3 years without a definitive diagnosis and call attention to the hand surgeon's role in identifying this rare disease to enable timely functional restoration.

Objectives: Adequate visual clarity is paramount to performing arthroscopic shoulder surgery safely, efficiently, and effectively. The addition of epinephrine in irrigation fluid, and the intravenous or local administration of tranexamic acid (TXA) have independently been reported to decrease bleeding thereby improving the surgeon’s visualization during arthroscopic shoulder procedures. No study has compared the effect of systemic administered TXA, epinephrine added in the irrigation fluid or the combination of both TXA and epinephrine on visual clarity during shoulder arthroscopy with a placebo group. The purpose of this study is to determine if intravenous TXA is an effective alternative to epinephrine delivered by a pressure-controlled pump in improving arthroscopic shoulder visualization during arthroscopic procedures and whether using both TXA and epinephrine together has an additive effect in improving visualization. Methods: The design of the study was a double-blinded, randomized controlled trial with four 1:1:1:1 parallel groups conducted at one center. Patients aged ≥18 years undergoing arthroscopic shoulder procedures including rotator cuff repair, arthroscopic biceps tenotomy/tenodesis, distal clavicle excision, subacromial decompression and labral repair by five fellowship-trained upper extremity surgeons were randomized into one of four arms: Pressure pump-controlled regular saline irrigation fluid (control), epinephrine (1ml of 1:1000) mixed in irrigation fluid (EPI), 1g intravenous TXA (TXA), and epinephrine and TXA (EPI/TXA). Visualization was rated on a 4-point Likert scale every 15 minutes with 0 indicating ‘poor’ quality and 3 indicating ‘excellent’ quality. The primary outcome measure was the unweighted mean of these ratings. Secondary outcomes included mean arterial blood pressure (MAP), surgery duration, surgery complexity, and adverse events within the first postoperative week. Unweighted means (SD) were calculated for visualization and mean arterial pressure (MAP) for each patient. Study group allocation was represented with epinephrine and tranexamic acid being coded in dichotomous variables (used or not used) for each patient. A step-wise linear regression was performed using visualization as the dependent variable and a series of independent variables considered for inclusion: epinephrine, tranexamic acid, surgery duration, complexity, mean arterial pressure, increase in pump pressure, and volume of irrigation fluid. All statistical tests were considered significant if p<0.05. Results: One-hundred and twenty-eight participants with a mean age (± SD) of 56 (± 11) years were randomized. Figure 1 presents the patient flow through the study. Mean visualization quality for the control, TXA, EPI, and EPI/TXA groups were 2.1 (±0.40), 2.1 (±0.52), 2.6 (±0.37), 2.6 (±0.35), respectively. In a regression model with visual quality as the dependent variable, the presence/absence of EPI was the most significant predictor of visualization quality (R=0.525; p<0.001). TXA presence/absence had no effect, and there was no interaction between TXA and EPI. The addition of MAP and surgery duration strengthened the model (R=0.529; p<0.001). Increased MAP and surgery duration were both associated with decreased visualization quality. When surgery duration was controlled, surgery complexity was not a significant predictor of visualization quality. No adverse events were recorded in any of the groups. Conclusions: Intravenous administration of TXA is not an effective alternative to epinephrine in the irrigation fluid to improve visualization during routine arthroscopic shoulder surgeries although its application is safe. There is no additional improvement in visualization when TXA is used in combination with epinephrine beyond the effect of epinephrine alone. Figure 1. Patient flow through study.

Accurate localization and characterization of peripheral nerve injuries adjacent to metallic hardware is difficult with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) due to susceptibility artifact. This study sought to present the use of high-resolution ultrasound (US) in accurate characterization of radial nerve injury adjacent to metallic hardware, using findings at the time of operative exploration as confirmation of the US assessment. A retrospective chart review of cases with clinically identified radial nerve injuries evaluated by the high-resolution US was performed from January 2015 through December 2019. Preoperative clinical data, US reports, MRI reports, electrodiagnostic (EDx) reports, and operative reports were reviewed for each case. Preoperative US correctly characterized the affected nerve component, type, and location of injury in all 13 cases (100%), when correlated with intraoperative findings. Nerve injury was directly adjacent to metallic hardware in 12 cases (92%). Out of the seven cases evaluated by both US and MRI, US correctly accurately diagnosed radial nerve injuries in all cases, whereas MRI accurately diagnosed in four cases (57%). In 3/7 cases (43%) MRI was nondiagnostic due to susceptibility artifact. MRI evaluation of the nerve was limited to some degree by metallic artifact in 6/7 cases (85%).

Background: Assessing the extent and specific location of brachial plexus injuries can be difficult given the variety of mechanisms of injury and anatomic complexity of the plexus. We developed a program to accurately assess the location of a patient's neurologic injury based on electromyographic data. Purpose: We sought to test our hypothesis that the location of traumatic brachial plexopathies could be accurately assessed with a novel program that processed electromyogram (EMG) and mechanism of injury data. Methods: This retrospective diagnostic cohort study was carried out with a novel diagnostic algorithm developed with the Python programming language. The program accepts user input of muscles demonstrating decreased motor unit recruitment, positive sharp waves, or fibrillation potentials. The testing data set was derived from a registry of brachial plexus injuries treated at our center. The primary outcome was the percent concordance of the algorithm's diagnosis with the surgical diagnosis. Results: Ninety-five cases met the inclusion criteria. Median time from injury onset to EMG examination was 4 months; median time from EMG examination to surgery was 1.2 months. The program diagnosis matched the surgical diagnosis in 92 out of 95 (97%) of cases, including cases with multilevel injuries and additional peripheral nerve injuries. Conclusion: This program accurately localized brachial plexopathies in nearly all cases, including those involving polytrauma or complex patterns of injury. This algorithm may be valuable as an aid to complete electrodiagnostic examinations, a diagnostic adjunct when planning treatment of severe plexus palsies, or an educational tool.