Aflail limb (alsoflail arm orflail leg) is a medical term which refers to an extremity in which the primary nerve has been severed or ceased to function, resulting in complete lack of mobility and sensation. Although blood typically continues to flow through the limb, it is completely useless and potential for surgical repair is limited. The muscles soon wither away fromatrophy, and the limb swings loosely at the side like a "dead weight."[citation needed]
Flail limb can occur in cases of traumatic injury to thebrachial plexus or in people withmotor neuron diseases such asamyotrophic lateral sclerosis.[1][2]
Amputation of the affected limb and replacement with aprosthesis is one option for treatment. Amputation does not reduce pain experienced.[1][3]
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