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AbstractPurposeMethodResultsConclusion\nIMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONIndividuals with traumatic brachial plexus injuries (TBPI) may experience lifelong physical and psychosocial consequences. With or without surgical treatment, the rehabilitation is considered important. Physiotherapists and occupational therapists face challenges due to the scarcity of evidence-based rehabilitation protocols after TBPI. There is limited knowledge about patients’ experiences with rehabilitation. This study aims to explore and describe patients’ experiences of rehabilitation after a TBPI.Transcripts from five focus groups with 21 participants after TBPI and rehabilitation were coded and analysed with a qualitative content analysis. The discussion guide contained questions regarding experience of rehabilitation.The analysis revealed one overarching theme: “A fight on your own”, and three themes that include 1) Lack of tailored rehabilitation in a life-changing situation, 2) Crucial prerequisites for engagement in rehabilitation, and 3) Life will never be the same. The results highlighted the importance of healthcare professionals engaging with patients and advocates for comprehensive, person-centred rehabilitation programs across healthcare levels. Furthermore, participants value peer interaction, psychosocial support and up-to-date technology.Patients struggle to access person-centred rehabilitation from engaged and knowledgeable occupational and physiotherapists. Addressing both psychosocial and physical aspects and daily activities is crucial.Rehabilitation requires an interdisciplinary team with a person-centred approach, addressing both physical and psychosocial needs.Access to specialised rehabilitation is of great importance, due to considerable variations of needs; rehabilitation guidelines should be established and incorporated in specialised and local healthcare.Rehabilitation spans a long period, highlighting the need for healthcare professionals to collaborate with diverse experts to tailor interventions.Successful rehabilitation changes the perspective from difficulties to strengths and recognises the importance of knowledge and engagement of both the patient and the healthcare professionals.Rehabilitation requires an interdisciplinary team with a person-centred approach, addressing both physical and psychosocial needs.Access to specialised rehabilitation is of great importance, due to considerable variations of needs; rehabilitation guidelines should be established and incorporated in specialised and local healthcare.Rehabilitation spans a long period, highlighting the need for healthcare professionals to collaborate with diverse experts to tailor interventions.Successful rehabilitation changes the perspective from difficulties to strengths and recognises the importance of knowledge and engagement of both the patient and the healthcare professionals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractPurposeMethodsResultsConclusions\nIMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONTo translate and culturally adapt the Brachial Assessment Tool (BrAT) into Swedish and evaluate the internal consistency, and internal content validity using Rasch analysis in patients with traumatic brachial plexus injuries (TBPI).The translation was made in accordance with international guidelines. TBPI patients were identified in clinical records. The BrAT-Swe was sent out to patients by post. Internal consistency was assessed using Cronbach alpha and content validity using Rasch analysis evaluating fit to the Rasch model, threshold response, local dependency, dimensionality, differential item functioning (DIF), and targeting.The translation of the BrAT was completed without major discrepancies. A total of 164 patients completed the BrAT-Swe. Internal consistency ranged from 0.90 to 0.98. Rasch analysis supported the content validity. All subscales demonstrated fit to the model with no local dependency, minimal disordered thresholds and no unidimensionality. Uniform DIF for item 6 by age, was identified. Minimal differences in hierarchical ordering were identified.This study presents a Swedish translation of the BrAT (BrAT-Swe) and has demonstrated that the translated BrAT-Swe is well adapted for Swedish circumstances. Analysis supports the internal content validity of the BrAT-Swe as a unidimensional targeted PROM designed to assess activity limitation after TBPI.The Swedish translation of the Brachial Assessment Tool (BrAT), the BrAT-Swe, is a valid instrument that can be used in a Swedish context.The BrAT-Swe subscales can be used independently or as a total score, similar to the original BrAT.The BrAT-Swe may be used to guide rehabilitation and for goal setting for patients with traumatic brachial plexus injury.The Swedish translation of the Brachial Assessment Tool (BrAT), the BrAT-Swe, is a valid instrument that can be used in a Swedish context.The BrAT-Swe subscales can be used independently or as a total score, similar to the original BrAT.The BrAT-Swe may be used to guide rehabilitation and for goal setting for patients with traumatic brachial plexus injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Digital nerve injuries are common, but few studies report long-term effects for the individual. The primary aim of this matched-pairs study comparing digital nerve injuries in border digits or central fingers was to investigate hand function 3-10 years after digital nerve repair, assessed using the Mini Sollerman test in 86 patients. Secondary outcomes were sensory function, range of motion, grip strength and patient-reported measures. No significant difference was seen in hand function between the groups, except for lower grip strength in patients with central finger injury. Tactile discrimination was achieved in 87%, with best results among participants aged less than 44 years. Touch perception was measurable in 99%. No statistically significant differences in sensory function were found between the groups. Patient-reported disability was low, with median Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand score of 5, but half of the patients reported neuropathic pain. Numbness and cold sensitivity were the symptoms graded worst after digital nerve injury. Level of evidence: III., Competing Interests: Declaration of conflicting interestsThe authors declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.