Outcomes of Free Flap Muscle Transfer Following Traumatic Brachial Plexus Injury: Impacts on Clients’ Engagement in Daily Life

Severe BPIs result in on-going, life altering impairment that impacts an individual’s ability to engage in daily life. This thesis aims to better understand long-term outcomes following free functioning muscle transfers (FFMT) reconstructive surgery for management of traumatic, pan-BPI in Australia. This very small, clinically complex population experienced limitations in activity and participation engagement; however, they successfully used compensation and adaptation to adjust following injury. This thesis found that patients’ experiences were enhanced through less tangible factors including positive social supports combined with holistic care that considered biopsychosocial factors.