Early multimodal rehabilitation and functional outcomes of a left brachial plexus injury after general anesthesia: a case report

Brachial plexus injury (BPI) is a common perioperative complication, often caused by intraoperative trauma or improper positioning during surgery. While some BPIs recover spontaneously, many patients experience long-term functional impairments, particularly in the upper limb. This case is distinguished by its focus on a rare perioperative iatrogenic C5–C6 BPI in an adolescent following laparoscopic surgery. Crucially, unlike many traditional protocols, an early multimodal rehabilitation program was implemented within only one week of diagnosis. This program incorporated physical therapy, neuromuscular electrical stimulation, and progressive resistance training. After six months, the patient achieved full motor recovery and regained unrestricted mobility in his left upper limb. This case highlights the importance of very early intervention in optimizing functional outcomes and effectively preventing secondary complications like muscle atrophy, even in patients with potential for spontaneous recovery.