REINTEGRATION INTO WORK AFTER TRAUMATIC BRACHIAL PLEXUS INJURIES: A SELECTIVE LITERATURE REVIEW ON EXPERIENCES FROM VARIOUS GLOBAL REGIONS

Each year, thousands of individuals, particularly young adults, suffer from traumatic brachial plexus injuries (TBPIs), leading to significant limitations, permanent disabilities, reduced quality of life, and infrequent return to work. Current treatments and assistive devices have demonstrated limited success, resulting in considerable social and economic challenges for patients. Given the devastating nature of this injury and the lack of literature on return-to-work rates among young adults, this study aims to determine the percentage of individuals reintegrating into work after a TBPI. Furthermore, it will compare outcomes across different healthcare systems, including those in Germany, Serbia, and the United Kingdom. This dual approach has been selected to investigate the influence of various factors on the outcomes associated with returning to work following TBPI. Preliminary findings indicate that approximately 60% of TBPI patients return to work, although most require a change in their occupational roles. Despite variations in healthcare systems and governmental support, the reintegration of TBPI patients into work and society remains a critical and universal challenge. This comparative analysis highlights disparities in TBPI research and outcomes, providing valuable insights for future improvements in patient care and support mechanisms.