Parsonage-Turner Syndrome (PTS), also referred to as idiopathic brachial plexopathy or neuralgic amyotrophy, is a rare disorder consisting of a complex constellation of symptoms with abrupt onset of shoulder pain, usually unilaterally, followed by progressive neurologic deficits of motor weakness, dysesthesias, and numbness. Although the etiology of the syndrome is unclear, it is reported in various clinical situations, including postoperatively, postinfectious, posttraumatic, and postvaccination. The identification of the syndrome in the postoperative patient remains a challenge as symptoms may easily be attributed to sequelae of surgical positioning, postoperative recovery, or postanesthetic block pain. The purpose of this review is to bring forth salient, identifiable factors which may assist the surgical clinician in identifying the condition sooner. An early and proper diagnosis affords the opportunity to treat the patient accordingly and to the satisfaction of both surgeon and patient.

Electromyography (EMG) studies are a useful tool in anatomical localization of peripheral nerve and brachial plexus injuries. They are especially helpful in distinguishing between brachial plexopathy and nerve root injuries where surgical intervention may be indicated. EMG can also assist in providing prognostic information after nerve injury as well as after nerve repair. In this case report, a football player presented with weakness in his right upper limb after a traction/traumatic injury to the right brachial plexus. EMG studies revealed evidence of both pre-and postganglionic injury to multiple cervical roots. The injury was substantial enough to cause nerve root avulsions involving the C6 and C7 levels. Surgical referral led to nerve grafts targeted at regaining function in shoulder abduction and elbow flexion. After surgery, the patient's progress was monitored utilizing EMG to assist in identifying true axonal regeneration.

Electromyography (EMG) studies are useful in the anatomical localization of nerve injuries and, in most cases, isolating lesions to a single nerve root level. Their utility is important in identifying specific nerve-root-level injuries where surgical or interventional procedures may be warranted. In this case report, an individual presented with right upper extremity radicular symptoms consistent with a clinical diagnosis of cervical radiculopathy. EMG studies revealed that the lesion could be more specifically isolated to the T1 nerve root and, furthermore, provided evidence that the abductor pollicis brevis receives predominantly T1 innervation.

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Patients or Programs:A 15-year-old female high school basketball player. Program Description: A 15-year-old female basketball player who was referred for the evaluation of left calf pain and swelling. She reported a remote ankle and calf injury that occurred several years ago but no recent trauma. Setting: Outpatient academic sports medicine clinic. Results: The circumference of the left leg at the level of the gastrocnemius muscle was measured at 15.25 inches, and the right was measured at 14 inches. The remainder of the clinical examination was unremarkable except for tenderness to palpation over the medial gastrocnemius muscle. A musculoskeletal ultrasound study was performed, which revealed a disorganized mass of mixed echogenicity within the medial head of the left gastrocnemius muscle. Multiple hyperechoic foci were seen without discernible muscle structure. A vascular ultrasound study of her leg was negative for a deep venous thrombosis, but a magnetic resonance imaging of the left lower leg revealed a large heterogenous, mildly enhancing mass that replaced the entire medial head of the left gastrocnemius muscle. She was referred to surgery, and an angiogram and a biopsy were performed, which confirmed the findings of an intramuscular hemangioma.

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