The brachial plexus is the network of lower cervical and upper dorsal spinal nerves supplying the arm, forearm and hand. There are four types of brachial plexus injuries: (1) Stretch injuries in which the nerves in the plexus are often compressed due to swelling and bruising from the birth trauma of shoulder getting caught on the pelvic bone. Stretch injuries will spontaneously recover up to 1-2 years of age with 90-100% return of function. (2) Neuroma which is scar tissue that compresses the nerves may occur also and surgical intervention is sometimes needed to remove it. (3) Rupture where the nerves are torn at either one or several places in the plexus requiring surgery for nerves to recover. (4) Avulsion (most severe injury) in which nerves are pulled from the spinal cord. This injury requires surgery and possibly a muscle transfer to regain function.