Browsing by Author "Savić, Andrija (57191566268)"

Background/Aim. Nerve transfers in cases of directly irreparable, or high level extensive brachial plexus traction injuries are performed using a variety of donor nerves with various success but an ideal method has not been established. The purpose of this study was to analyze the results of nerve transfers in patients with traction injuries to the brachial plexus using the thoracodorsal and medial pectoral nerves as donors. Methods. This study included 40 patients with 25 procedures using the thoracodorsal nerve and 33 procedures using the medial pectoral nerve as donors for reinnervation of the musculocutaneous or axillary nerve. The results were analyzed according to the donor nerve, the age of the patient and the timing of surgery. Results. The total rate of recovery for elbow flexion was 94.1%, for shoulder abduction 89.3%, and for shoulder external rotation 64.3%. The corresponding rates of recovery using the thoracodorsal nerve were 100%, 93.7% and 68.7%, respectively. The rates of recovery with medial pectoral nerve transfers were 90.5%, 83.3% and 58.3%, respectively. Despite the obvious differences in the rates of recovery, statistical significance was found only between the rates and quality of recovery for the musculocutaneous and axillary nerve using the thoracodorsal nerve as donor. Conclusion. According to our findings, nerve transfers using collateral branches of the brachial plexus in cases with upper palsy offer several advantages and yield high rate and good quality of recovery.

[No abstract available]

Introduction: Radial nerve lesions present a clinical entity that may lead to disability, psychological distress, and job loss, and thus requires great attention. Knowledge of the etiology and exact mechanism of the nerve impairment is of great importance for appropriate management of these patients, and there are only a few papers that focused on these features in patients with surgically treated radial nerve lesions. The lack of studies presenting the etiology and injury mechanisms of surgically treated radial nerve lesions may be due to a relatively small number of specialized referral centers, dispersion to low-flow centers, and a greater focus on the surgical treatment outcomes. Aim: The aim of this study was to describe the etiological and epidemiological characteristics of patients with surgically treated radial nerve lesions of various origins. Methods: This retrospective study evaluated 147 consecutive patients with radial nerve lesion, treated in the department during the last 20 years, from January 1, 2001, until December 31, 2020. Results: The majority of patients belonged to the working population, and 70.1% of them were male. Most commonly, the etiology of nerve lesion was trauma (63.3%) or iatrogenic injury (28.6%), while the less common origin was idiopathic (4.1%) or neoplastic (4.1%). The most frequent location of the lesion was in the upper arm, followed by the elbow and forearm. Fracture-related contusion was the most common mechanism (29.9%), followed by postoperative fibrosis (17.7%), lacerations (17.7%), and compression (15.6%). Conclusion: Based on the fact that traumatic or iatrogenic injuries constitute the majority of cases, with their relevant mechanisms and upper arm predomination, it is crucial to raise awareness and understanding of the radial nerve injuries among orthopedic surgeons to decrease the numbers of these patients and properly preserve or treat them within the initial surgery. 2022 Rasulić, Djuraskovic, Lakićević, Lepić, Savić, Grujić, Mićić, Radojevic, Cordoba Mosqueda, Visani, Puzovic, Kovačević, Vitošević, Mandic-Rajcevic and Knezevic.

Giant cavernomas (GC) are rare lesions, with less than 50 cases reported so far. Clinical presentation usually involves epileptic seizures and less typically focal neurological deficit, due to repeated hemorrhages and GC mass effect and consequentially increased intracranial pressure. Although individual cases have been reported, due to the rarity and variable imaging appearance, GCs are usually not considered in the differential diagnosis of large hemorrhagic lesions, especially when significant mass effect is present. A 17-year-old boy presented due to severe headache, right-sided weakness, and slurred speech. Symptoms started three days before with occasional headaches, which intensified gradually. Emergency computed tomography revealed a left frontal massive heterogeneous lesion. Soon after, right-sided hemiparesis and speech impairment progressed, and the patient became drowsy with the slightly dilated left pupil. Emergency surgery was performed, and the lobed grayish lesion was entirely removed. Based on the macroscopic appearance, the surgeon assumed it was a metastasis of melanoma. Histopathologic analysis result was cavernoma. GC should be considered as an option in hemorrhagic lesions, especially in the young age population. Emergency surgery for mass lesions is not uncommon in neurosurgery; however, bleeding cavernomas are usually planned for elective surgery due to the specific approach and complications.

Background Iatrogenic nerve injuries are nerve injuries caused by medical interventions or inflicted accidentally by a treating physician. Methods We describe and analyze iatrogenic nerve injuries in a total of 122 consecutive patients who received surgical treatment at our Institution during a period of 10 years, from January 1, 2003, to December 31, 2013. The final outcome evaluation was performed 2 years after surgical treatment. Results The most common causes of iatrogenic nerve injuries among patients in the study were the operations of bone fractures (23.9%), lymph node biopsy (19.7%), and carpal tunnel release (18%). The most affected nerves were median nerve (21.3%), accessory nerve (18%), radial nerve (15.6%), and peroneal nerve (11.5%). In 74 (60.7%) patients, surgery was performed 6 months after the injury, and in 48 (39.3%) surgery was performed within 6 months after the injury. In 80 (65.6%) patients, we found lesion in discontinuity, and in 42 (34.4%) patients lesion in continuity. The distribution of surgical procedures performed was as follows: autotransplantation (51.6%), neurolysis (23.8%), nerve transfer (13.9%), direct suture (8.2%), and resection of neuroma (2.5%). In total, we achieved satisfactory recovery in 91 (74.6%), whereas the result was dissatisfactory in 31 (25.4%) patients. Conclusions Patients with iatrogenic nerve injuries should be examined as soon as possible by experts with experience in traumatic nerve injuries, so that the correct diagnosis can be reached and the appropriate therapy planned. The timing of reconstructive surgery and the technique used are the crucial factors for functional recovery. © 2017 Elsevier Inc.

Missile injuries are among the most devastating injuries in general traumatology. Traumatic brachial plexus injuries are the most difficult injuries in peripheral nerve surgery, and most complicated to be surgically treated. Nevertheless, missile wounding is the second most common mechanism of brachial plexus injury. The aim was to evaluate functional recovery after surgical treatment of these injuries. Our series included 68 patients with 202 nerve lesions treated with 207 surgical procedures. Decision on the treatment modality (exploration, neurolysis, graft repair, or com-bination) was made upon intraoperative finding. Results were analyzed in 60 (88.2%) patients with 173 (85.6%) nerve lesions followed-up for two years. Functional recovery was evaluated according to functional priorities. Satisfactory functional recovery was achieved in 90.4% of cases with neurolysis and 85.7% of cases with nerve grafting. Insufficient functional recovery was verified in ulnar and radial nerve lesions after neurolysis, and in median and radial nerve lesions when graft repair was done. We conclude that the best time for surgery is between two and four months after injury, except for the gunshot wound associated with injury to the surrounding structures, which requires immediate surgical treatment. The results of neurolysis and nerve grafting were similar. © 2018, Klinicka Bolnica Sestre Milosrdnice. All rights reserved.

Peripheral nerve surgery mostly involves elective procedures; thus, the associated complications are of great clinical, social, and medicolegal importance. Apart from the general perioperative morbidity, complications during interventions on peripheral nerves are extremely rare. However, iatrogenic peripheral nerve injuries during unrelated surgical procedures performed by those not specialised in peripheral nerve surgery remain the most significant group of complications, accounting for up to approximately 17% of all cases. The aims of this review are to provide better insight into the multifaceted nature of complications related to peripheral nerve surgery—from the perspective of their causes, treatment, and outcome—and to raise surgeons’ awareness of the risks of such morbidity. It should be emphasized that intraoperative complications in peripheral nerve surgery are largely “surgeon-related” rather than “surgery-related”; therefore, they have great potential to be avoided. © 2023, Springer Nature Switzerland AG.

Neurofibroma is the second most common and most prevalent peripheral nerve tumor. It arises from the Schwann cells of the peripheral nerve sheath but also comprises fibroblasts, perineural cells, and mast cells in a variably myxoid background. There are three typical forms of neurofibroma with a few subtypes: (1) localized neurofibroma (cutaneous and intraneural), usually not interfering with the remaining axons; (2) diffuse neurofibroma, an ill-defined form with growth pattern involving the infiltration of the adjacent subcutaneous tissues; and (3) plexiform neurofibroma, irregular cylindrical or fusiform enlargement of a nerve with the macroscopic appearance of the “bag of worms.” Massive soft tissue neurofibroma is a subtype causing elephantiasis neuromatosa with the underlying plexiform and diffuse components. Neurofibroma is typically sporadic, but in 10% of cases, it occurs syndromically in the course of neurofibromatosis 1 (NF1) (usually the plexiform neurofibroma). The deletion in the NF1 gene is responsible for the tumor development in both sporadic and syndromic cases. The lesions are usually in the form of palpable mass and cause no specific symptoms. Diagnostic evaluation includes ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging. Due to the benign nature, clinical follow-up is usually advised; however, in symptomatic cases, surgery is indicated. With adequate surgical approach, functional preservation is possible in the majority of cases, as is the pain control. Both reoccurrence and malignant transformation are rare in sporadic cases and more common in NF1-associated tumors. © The Editor(s) (if applicable) and The Author(s) 2021.

Neurofibroma is the second most common and most prevalent peripheral nerve tumor. It arises from the Schwann cells of the peripheral nerve sheath but also comprises fibroblasts, perineural cells, and mast cells in a variably myxoid background. There are three typical forms of neurofibroma with a few subtypes: (1) localized neurofibroma (cutaneous and intraneural), usually not interfering with the remaining axons; (2) diffuse neurofibroma, an ill-defined form with growth pattern involving the infiltration of the adjacent subcutaneous tissues; and (3) plexiform neurofibroma, irregular cylindrical or fusiform enlargement of a nerve with the macroscopic appearance of the “bag of worms.” Massive soft tissue neurofibroma is a subtype causing elephantiasis neuromatosa with the underlying plexiform and diffuse components. Neurofibroma is typically sporadic, but in 10% of cases, it occurs syndromically in the course of neurofibromatosis 1 (NF1) (usually the plexiform neurofibroma). The deletion in the NF1 gene is responsible for the tumor development in both sporadic and syndromic cases. The lesions are usually in the form of palpable mass and cause no specific symptoms. Diagnostic evaluation includes ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging. Due to the benign nature, clinical follow-up is usually advised; however, in symptomatic cases, surgery is indicated. With adequate surgical approach, functional preservation is possible in the majority of cases, as is the pain control. Both reoccurrence and malignant transformation are rare in sporadic cases and more common in NF1-associated tumors. © The Editor(s) (if applicable) and The Author(s) 2021.

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate outcomes after surgery for brachial plexus injury (BPI), not only motor outcomes but also the quality of life of the patients. Methods: We operated on 128 consecutive patients with BPI from 1992 to 2012. We documented the information on the injured nerve, level of injury, type of treatment used, timing of surgery, patient age, and preoperative and postoperative motor deficits. In 69 patients who agreed to participate in a quality of life study, additional assessments included functionality, pain, quality of life, patient satisfaction, and psychosocial health. Results: Of patients who underwent only exploration and neurolysis, 35.3% showed a good quality of recovery. Patients who underwent nerve reconstruction using nerve grafting showed a better rate of good quality recovery (56.7%), and the results following nerve transfer depended on the type of transfer used. After surgery, 82.6% of patients showed significant improvement, 82.6% were satisfied, and 81.2% responded positively when asked if they would undergo surgery again if they knew the current result beforehand. Overall, 69.6% patients continued working after surgery. The mean DASH disability score was high (58.7) in the study group. Patients who had early surgery showed a consistently higher DASH score. About 76% of patients reported having pain regularly, and 18.8% reported depression or anxiety. Conclusions: We consider that it is important to report not only muscle recovery, but also other aspects of recovery. © 2017, Springer-Verlag Wien.

This paper aims to provide an overview of recent advances in the diagnosis and treatment of peripheral nerve tumors (PNTs) with regard to biological and technological nuances, and to highlight some recommendations for achieving better outcomes in the treatment of patients suffering from PNT. PNTs are probably the most challenging entity in the field of peripheral nervous system surgery. The goal of removing a nerve tumor while also preserving nerve function at the same time is often complicated, regardless of the surgeon's experience. Still, in most cases, high-quality results can be achieved upon carefully planned surgery. Clinical presentation, diagnosis, and indications for a specific type of treatment of PNTs still remain a topic of debate. Recent technological advances have led to an exponential improvement in the field with utilization of intraoperative ultrasound, neurostimulation devices, and intraoperative electrophysiological monitoring, along with the development of modern surgical techniques, whereby a multidisciplinary and individually shaped approach is necessary. CONCLUSION: These advances, however, still remain limited, and recent research is focused on the development of biological therapy. Biologically targeted therapies will emerge when there is a better understanding of the genetic and molecular mechanisms driving the development and growth of PNTs. Copyright © 2020 by Academy of Sciences and Arts of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Objective: Cubital tunnel syndrome (CuTS) results from compression of the ulnar nerve at the elbow, resulting in pain, weakness, and numbness of the hand and forearm. This work describes the Quality of Life (QoL) and satisfaction after CuTS surgery and identifies the factors associated with those outcomes. Methods: This cross-sectional study included patients surgically treated for CuTS from January 2011 to September 2021 at the Neurosurgery Clinic of the Clinic Center in Serbia. The questionnaires applied were the Short Form 36 (SF-36), EuroQol instrument (EQ-5D-5 L), Bishop’s score and Patient-Rated Ulnar Nerve Evaluation (PRUNE). Results: Sixty-two patients met the inclusion criteria. Bishop’s score: The median score was 10 (7.75–11), 54.8% of the cases presented excellent results. PRUNE: The median score for symptoms was 19 (6–38.5); for functional, was 14 (0.75–38); and the total was 18.25 (5.87–34.12). SF-36: The subscale with the best result was social functioning (84.68 ± 22.79). The scale with the worst value was emotional well-being (49.35 ± 7.87). EQ-5D-5L: Over 50% patients did not present problems with mobility, self-care, activity, and anxiety. The average EQ-VAS was 72.77 ± 18.70; and 0.72 ± 0.21 of the EQ-index, revealing a good QoL. Models for QoL and satisfaction: Ten models showed statistical significance. The variables with major involvement were body mass index and time evolution of the symptoms. Conclusion: Surgical decompression has proved to diminish the symptoms, improving QoL and satisfaction. Many fixed and changeable factors can affect the satisfaction levels after surgery. © 2022 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.

Objective: Cubital tunnel syndrome (CuTS) results from compression of the ulnar nerve at the elbow, resulting in pain, weakness, and numbness of the hand and forearm. This work describes the Quality of Life (QoL) and satisfaction after CuTS surgery and identifies the factors associated with those outcomes. Methods: This cross-sectional study included patients surgically treated for CuTS from January 2011 to September 2021 at the Neurosurgery Clinic of the Clinic Center in Serbia. The questionnaires applied were the Short Form 36 (SF-36), EuroQol instrument (EQ-5D-5 L), Bishop’s score and Patient-Rated Ulnar Nerve Evaluation (PRUNE). Results: Sixty-two patients met the inclusion criteria. Bishop’s score: The median score was 10 (7.75–11), 54.8% of the cases presented excellent results. PRUNE: The median score for symptoms was 19 (6–38.5); for functional, was 14 (0.75–38); and the total was 18.25 (5.87–34.12). SF-36: The subscale with the best result was social functioning (84.68 ± 22.79). The scale with the worst value was emotional well-being (49.35 ± 7.87). EQ-5D-5L: Over 50% patients did not present problems with mobility, self-care, activity, and anxiety. The average EQ-VAS was 72.77 ± 18.70; and 0.72 ± 0.21 of the EQ-index, revealing a good QoL. Models for QoL and satisfaction: Ten models showed statistical significance. The variables with major involvement were body mass index and time evolution of the symptoms. Conclusion: Surgical decompression has proved to diminish the symptoms, improving QoL and satisfaction. Many fixed and changeable factors can affect the satisfaction levels after surgery. © 2022 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.

Background/Aim. Chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) is one of the most frequent neurosurgical conditions with an overall incidence ranging from 1.72 to 20.6 per 100,000 persons per year. The surgical procedure for CSDH is relatively simple and usually performed in the supine position. Reported reoccurrence rates range from 11.7% to 28%. Postperative pneumocephalus was previously identified as a sole predictor of reoccurrence. The aim of this study was to assess the advantage of the procedure in the sitting position in patients with CSDH and a possible impact on the reoccurrence rate. Methods. The study included 31 patients who underwent awake craniostomy with closed system drainage for CSDH (16 in supine and 15 in sitting position) in our department from December 2016 to March 2018. Results. A total of 22 males and 9 females were included in the study. The overall reoccurrence rate was 19% (22% and 18% in females and males, respectively). The reoccurrence was noted in 5 patients who had undergone surgery in the supine position, and in one case in the sitting position. Our results revealed a lower reoccurrence rate in patients undergoing surgery in the sitting position, although not reaching statistical significance [odds ratio (OR): 0.18, 95% confidence interval: 0.01-1.42, p = 0.172]. Conclusion. Craniostomy in the sitting position under local anesthesia is a safe, simple, and reliable procedure for CSDH treatment. Besides being very comfortable for the patient, according to our initial results, it might also lead to a lower reoccurrence rate, probably due to the better management of the air inflow, and consequent pneumocephalus. © 2021 Inst. Sci. inf., Univ. Defence in Belgrade. All rights reserved.

Radial nerve injuries are often associated with humeral shaft fractures. The results of treatment of these injuries, by contemporary surgical approaches, remain diverse. In this paper we presented the outcomes and analyzed the patient, clinical, and surgical procedure related characteristics and factors that may influence the outcome overall, in 77 patients treated at Clinic for Neurosurgery, Clinical Center of Serbia during a 20 years period. The nerve injuries were verified by US and EMNG. The majority of patients were treated by neurolysis or sural nerve grafting, while only few were treated by direct suture. The final recovery was evaluated by muscle strength assessment and classified using MRC. We analyzed extension of the wrist, extension of the fingers including the thumb, and abduction of the thumb. There was a significant statistical difference in MRC grade following the treatment. The total rate of useful functional recovery was achieved in 69 (89.61%) out of all studied patients, out of whom 20 (28.99%) achieved excellent recovery, 26 (37.68%) achieved good recovery and 23 (33.33%) achieved fair recovery. Only 8 (10.39%) out of all studied patients achieved poor recovery. The injured nerves, that were preserved in continuity, acquired by a low-energy trauma, and treated earlier than the 6 months were associated with better functional outcome following the surgery. In addition, there was a trend of better functional improvement with aging, keeping in mind that the old were subjected to lower energy trauma. The expectant management followed by surgery of radial nerve injury associated with humeral shaft fracture should be around 3 months, and the surgical nerve repair should not be performed later than the 6 months after injury. The energy of trauma may be a factor predicting patient's final recovery following the treatment. Copyright © 2021 Rasulić, Djurašković, Lakićević, Lepić, Savić, Grujić, Mićić, Radojević, Puzović, Maletić and Mandić-Rajčević.

Introduction: Rare peripheral nerve lesions comprise a histologically diverse group of neoplastic and non-neoplastic entities, characterized by infrequent occurrence and variable clinical presentations, presenting significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. This study presents eight cases of surgically treated rare peripheral nerve lesions with previously unreported long-term outcomes involving quality of life (QOL) assessment. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on medical records from 2012 to 2022 to identify surgically treated cases of rare peripheral nerve lesions, selecting eight cases based on determined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Long-term outcomes and QOL were assessed 12 months post-surgery by patient examination, control imaging and self-reporting questionnaires. Results: The study included 4 benign (hemangioblastoma, angiomatoid fibrous histiocytoma, endometriosis (n=2)) and 4 malignant lesions (NTRK-rearranged spindle cell neoplasm, lymphoma, metastatic breast carcinoma (n=2)). Even though benign lesions generally presented with better outcomes, this was more closely related with level of nerve invasion and postoperative sequele, rather than presence of malignancy. Discussion: Because of a global lack of experience in handling such cases, this study aimed to present the cases we encountered in detail to serve as a basis for future literature reviews. The findings highlight the importance of individualized treatment strategies and long-term follow-up to optimize functional recovery and patient well-being. Copyright © 2025 Savić, Lepić, Grujić, Mićić, Stojiljković, Putra, Terzić, Vujić and Rasulić.

Introduction: Rare peripheral nerve lesions comprise a histologically diverse group of neoplastic and non-neoplastic entities, characterized by infrequent occurrence and variable clinical presentations, presenting significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. This study presents eight cases of surgically treated rare peripheral nerve lesions with previously unreported long-term outcomes involving quality of life (QOL) assessment. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on medical records from 2012 to 2022 to identify surgically treated cases of rare peripheral nerve lesions, selecting eight cases based on determined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Long-term outcomes and QOL were assessed 12 months post-surgery by patient examination, control imaging and self-reporting questionnaires. Results: The study included 4 benign (hemangioblastoma, angiomatoid fibrous histiocytoma, endometriosis (n=2)) and 4 malignant lesions (NTRK-rearranged spindle cell neoplasm, lymphoma, metastatic breast carcinoma (n=2)). Even though benign lesions generally presented with better outcomes, this was more closely related with level of nerve invasion and postoperative sequele, rather than presence of malignancy. Discussion: Because of a global lack of experience in handling such cases, this study aimed to present the cases we encountered in detail to serve as a basis for future literature reviews. The findings highlight the importance of individualized treatment strategies and long-term follow-up to optimize functional recovery and patient well-being. Copyright © 2025 Savić, Lepić, Grujić, Mićić, Stojiljković, Putra, Terzić, Vujić and Rasulić.

Introduction. Subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) can be followed by cardiac abnormalities. We describe a patient with Takotsubo cardiomyopathy and neurogenic pulmonary edema (NPE) after aneurysmal SAH. Case report. A previously healthy, postmenopausal woman, suffered from aneurysmal SAH with consequent hydrocephalus. After external ventricular drainage, craniotomy and clipping of the posterior inferior cerebellar artery aneurysm, the patient developed acute heart failure and NPE. Transthoracic echocardiogram showed the left ventricular apical ballooning and hypercontractile basal segments. On chest radiography, bilateral pulmonary infiltrates were seen. Seventeen days after the SAH attack, the patient was discharged from hospital. Postponed coronary angiography revealed no signs of coronary artery disease. Conclusion. This case and review of the relevant literature suggest that Takotsubo cardiomyopathy and neurogenic pulmonary edema are not uncommon after aneurysmal SAH. © 2019 Inst. Sci. inf., Univ. Defence in Belgrade. All rights reserved.

The aim of this study was to investigate the mechanisms and etiologic factors of forearm nerve injuries. This retrospective survey included all patients treated surgically in Clinical Department of Neurosurgery, Clinical Center of Serbia, from January 1, 2000 to December 31, 2010. All relevant data were collected from medical records. Statistical procedures were done using the PASW 18 statistical package. Our study included 104 patients that underwent surgery after forearm nerve injury. The majority of admitted patients were male (n=84; 80.8%) and only 20 (19.2%) were female. Ulnar nerve injury predominated with 70 cases, followed by median nerve with 54 (51.9%) cases and radial nerve with only 5 cases. Transection was the dominant mechanism of injury and it occurred in 84.6% of cases. Injury by a sharp object was the most frequent etiologic factor and it occurred in 62 (59.6%) patients, while traffic accident and gunshot injuries were the least common etiologic factor of forearm nerve injury, occurring in 7 (6.7%) and 6 (5.8%) cases, respectively. Associated injuries of muscles and tendons, bones and blood vessels occurred in 20 (19.2%), 16 (15.4%) and 15 (14.4%) patients, respectively. The etiology and mechanism of peripheral nerve injury are of great importance when choosing the right course of treatment in each individual patient because timing and type of treatment are closely related to these factors.

Objective: Brachial plexus injuries are among the most complex injuries of the peripheral nervous system and among the most devastating injuries overall. In complete lesions, functional priorities include the reinnervation of the musculocutaneous and axillary nerves for proximal functions restoration. Three major nerves–radial, median, and ulnar–and the corresponding muscles remain denervated, which results in subsequent muscle atrophy. This study was aimed at the evaluation of arm volumes in surgically treated patients with brachial plexus injuries, in correlation with the type of palsy, recovery and associated factors. Methods: The study included 36 patients with brachial plexus injuries who were surgically treated in our institution over a 15-year-long period. The evaluation of arm and arm segments volumes was carried out using water displacement testing, based on the Archimedes principle. Results: Statistically significant differences were noted between the operated arm and the healthy arm in all of the measured segments (hands, forearms and upper arms), as well as between the patients with complete and upper palsy, and in correlation with the shoulder abduction recovery. Conclusions: Previous studies were mainly focused on the functional outcome and quality of life; although related to both, arm volumes in patients with brachial plexus injuries were not analyzed before. Significant differences between the operated arm and the healthy arm volumes, as well as between the various types of palsy, found in the present study should trigger further prospective research in relation to neurophysiology, useful functional recovery and quality of life. © 2020 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.