What injury did a female patient experience after being placed in Trendelenburg position during a hysterectomy?

The correct choice indicates a brachial plexus injury, which can occur when a patient is placed in the Trendelenburg position during surgery. This position involves tilting the patient's body so that the legs are elevated relative to the head, which can lead to various complications related to positioning.

In the Trendelenburg position, if the arms are not adequately supported, they may hang off the table or be placed in a way that exerts pressure or stretches the brachial plexus nerves, which are responsible for sensory and motor function in the shoulder, arm, and hand. This increased tension or compression can damage the nerves in the brachial plexus, leading to numbness, weakness, or pain in the affected extremity.

This complication highlights the importance of proper positioning and padding during surgeries to minimize the risk of nerve injuries. Understanding the anatomical location of the brachial plexus and the potential risks associated with surgical positioning is crucial in preventing such injuries during procedures like hysterectomies. Proper padding and arm positioning are essential to avoid these nerve-related complications in patients undergoing surgery in the Trendelenburg position.