Upper trunk brachial plexus palsy can result from high-energy trauma and has never been reported following spinal manipulation.
The case is presented of a patient who developed an acute brachial plexus upper trunk palsy following spinal manipulative therapy.
Discussion is made on the incidence of complications following manipulation and recommendations to prospectively capture all serious complications.
Risks exist with spinal manipulative therapy. Neurological injury can occur. Risk assessment and re-examination should occur at every visit. Large rigorous prospective studies are required to identify the true incidence of serious complications resulting from manipulative therapy and the benefit:risk ratio.