Brachial Plexus Birth Palsy Research Articles

Anterior ultrasound approach for evaluating posterior shoulder instability in brachial plexus birth palsy: A novel diagnostic technique

Brachial plexus birth palsy (BPBP) often leads to shoulder deformities, such as posterior subluxation and internal rotation of the humeral head, which can severely impact a patient’s quality of life. Traditional imaging techniques such as magnetic resonance imaging, while effective, often require sedation or anesthesia, limiting their routine use in pediatric patients. This technical note explores using ultrasound as a non-invasive alternative for evaluating and monitoring shoulder deformities in BPBP patients. We introduce a novel ultrasound method that focuses on the alignment of the coracoid process and the humeral head, revealing significant differences between affected and unaffected shoulders. This technique offers a reliable and accessible tool for early diagnosis and intervention, improving outcomes for patients with BPBP-related shoulder deformities.

Rethinking Brachial Plexus Birth Palsy: Beyond Physician Blame.

Brachial plexus birth palsy, a devastating injury affecting newborns, has long been a source of contention and misunderstanding. This article aims to dispel the myth that healthcare providers are solely responsible for these injuries, presenting evidence that highlights the complex interplay of maternal, fetal, and biological factors in their causation. By shifting the narrative away from blame and towards a more comprehensive understanding, we can foster a more supportive and informed approach to childbirth.

Tendon Lengthening Surgery for Elbow Flexion Contractures in Brachial Plexus Birth Palsy

Flexion contracture of the elbow is a common deformity associated with brachial plexus birth palsy and is often managed with preventive night orthoses. For severe cases, however, surgical interventions may become necessary. This study evaluated the effectiveness of surgically releasing elbow flexion contractures exceeding 30° through partial tenotomy of the brachialis and biceps brachii muscles, along with a division of the lacertus fibrosus. We performed 36 anterior elbow releases on patients with injury to the upper trunk (C5-C6) of the brachial plexus and elbow flexion contractures between 30° and 80°. All releases involved lacertus fibrosus section and partial lengthening of the distal portion of the brachialis tendon. In severe cases, biceps brachii tenotomy was also performed. All participants had a minimum follow-up of 12 months and preoperative elbow flexion strength of at least grade 4 on the British Medical Research Council scale, with no deformities in the shape of the ulnohumeral joint or radial head subluxation. Following a mean follow-up of 41 months, the average extension gain was 31° (range, 10°-50°). All patients maintained their flexion strength. Except for two participants with weaker triceps, the mean elbow extension gain was sustained throughout the follow-up period. There were no major or minor complications or reinterventions in the study. Partial tenotomy of the brachialis and biceps brachii muscles, coupled with lacertus fibrosus section, is an effective treatment for elbow contractures exceeding 30° flexion. This method is successful in individuals with a functioning triceps brachii and elbow extension strength of at least grade 3 on the British Medical Research Council scale. Therapeutic IV.

Reduced Clavicle Length Indicates the Severity of Scapular Misalignment in Obstetric Brachial Plexus Lesions.

(1) Background: Although most brachial plexus birth palsies show some spontaneous recovery, secondary operations are likely to follow. Accordingly, due to the loss of muscle innervation, the growth of the affected limb and the shoulder girdle is reduced. This is associated with pathological scapula positioning and rotation. The objective of this work was to clarify the relationship between length differences of the two clavicles and different types of scapular dyskinesia. (2) Methods: Twenty-five patients suffering from brachial plexus birth palsy were included in this retrospective study. There were eighteen female and seven male patients with a mean age of 10 years (2 to 23 years). CT scans of the thoracic cage, including both shoulder joints and both clavicles, were obtained preoperatively between 2010 and 2012. Radiographic measurements were taken of the axial plane and 3D reconstructions were produced. Functional evaluations of possible movement and scapular dyskinesia were performed. (3) Results: We found an increasing difference in the length of the clavicle (both in absolute and relative terms) in the children with more pronounced scapular dyskinesia. Additionally, with increasing clavicle length differences, the scapula was positioned in a deteriorated angle compared to the healthy side. Significant positive correlations were identified for the age and absolute difference of the clavicle length and the length and width of the scapula on the affected side. (4) Conclusion: Scapular dyskinesia, which is a common finding in brachial plexus birth palsy, is strongly related to reduced clavicle growth. Reduced clavicle length (which is a relatively easily examinable parameter) compared to the healthy side can be used to estimate the extent of scapular malpositioning on the thoracic cage. The extent and severity of scapular dyskinesia increases with augmented differences in the length of the clavicle.

Complex forearm deformities in brachial plexus birth palsy: Radial head dislocation, forearm bones crossing, and distal ulna volar dislocation

We present a rare and complex case involving a 6-year-old boy with brachial plexus birth palsy, which is complicated by secondary developmental changes such as proximal radial head dislocation, distal ulna dislocation, and a severe supination deformity in the forearm. Despite the severity of his condition, his parents declined further treatment. This case underscores the presence of unclassifiable complex anomalies and highlights the need to expand the current classification system, especially when these anomalies are associated with birth palsy. Our report emphasizes the importance of recognizing and addressing these intricate presentations to enhance diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.

The Outcome of Spinal Accessory Nerve Transfer to the Musculocutaneous Nerve in Birth Brachial Plexus Palsy

Patients with brachial plexus birth injury with limited intraplexal donors require the use of extraplexal donors. Concern regarding the potential for respiratory problems resulting from the harvest of intercostal nerves or the phrenic nerve suggests the need for other options. Transfer of the spinal accessory nerve (SAN) is one option for restoring elbow flexion in adult patients; however, there are few reports of the results of this transfer in brachial plexus birth injury. This study aimed to report the result of SAN transfer to the musculocutaneous nerve (MCN) in brachial plexus birth injury. Patients who had undergone SAN to MCN nerve transfer were included in thisstudy. Patients were classified according to Narakas classification. The chart was reviewed for the time for recovery of elbow flexion according to the Active Movement Scale(AMS). Eleven patients underwent SAN to MCN transfers with interpositional sural nerve grafts. Mean birthweight was 4,070 grams (range: 3,300-4,670). Mean time to operation was 6.5 months (range: 4-10). Of the 11 patients, two were of Narakas type 3, whereas the others were of type 4. One patient did not recover elbow flexion and underwent later tendon transfer, whereas the other 10 patients reached AMS grade M6 recovery. The median time for AMS grade M1 elbow flexion recovery was eight months (interquartile range: 6.2-8.8) and for AMS grade M5 was 26 months (interquartile range: 14.2-36.5). Spinal accessory nerve to MCN transfer with an interposition nerve graft is a viable option for restoring elbow flexion. However, long-term outcomes of this procedure have yet to be fully demonstrated. Case series IV.

Recovery of the Total Birth Brachial Plexus Palsy without Surgical Treatment: A Single-Center, Retrospective Study and Literature Review.

Background Spontaneous recovery of a birth brachial plexus disorder is difficult to predict. Although root avulsion and total plexus injury is indicated for surgical management, early nerve surgery is still doubtful. Hand motion is obviously an important indicator for predicting the function of an affected limb. However, the timing for diagnosing a transient or true total plexus injury from hand recovery is controversial. This study aimed to report the recovery time of total birth brachial plexus palsy in patients who did not undergo surgery due to various reasons. Methods In this 15-year retrospective chart review, 45 patients of total birth brachial plexus injury with a mean follow-up time of 34.5 months, were included. Although patients met surgical indications, surgical management was abandoned for a variety of reasons. Imaging was not performed routinely and, nerve conduction study and Horner's syndrome were not consistently recorded in the past. All patients were evaluated for clinical improvement by motor power grading. The recovery time was reported as the median and interquartile range. Results Forty-five patients were diagnosed with total birth brachial plexus injury. Out of 45 patients, 36 showed clinical evidence of recovering their hand motion within a median of 3 months. The median time for the recovery of elbow flexion and shoulder abduction was 4 months. The median for achieving antigravity or full motion recovery of elbow flexion, shoulder abduction, and hand flexion were 10, 10.5, and 7 months, respectively. Conclusion In this study, spontaneous recovery of shoulder, elbow and hand motion substantially occurred in the patient diagnosed with a total birth brachial plexus palsy. True total plexus palsy can be distinguished from transient palsy by the recovery of hand motion at 3 months. Most of the patients, who had spontaneous recovery, potentially achieved antigravity or full hand movement without surgery.

Quantitative Musculoskeletal Imaging of the Pediatric Shoulder.

Pediatric acquired and congenital conditions leading to shoulder pain and dysfunction are common. Objective, quantitative musculoskeletal imaging-based measures of shoulder health in children lag recent developments in adults. We review promising applications of quantitative imaging that tend to be available for common pediatric shoulder pathologies, especially brachial plexus birth palsy and recurrent shoulder instability, and imaging-related considerations of musculoskeletal growth and development of the shoulder. We highlight the status of quantitative imaging practices for the pediatric shoulder and highlight gaps where better care may be provided with advances in imaging technique and/or technology.

How to follow up patients with brachial plexus birth palsy in the long term: a survey of expert opinion.

There is no generally accepted diagnostic, treatment and follow-up algorithm for brachial plexus birth palsy in the current literature. This study evaluates the opinion of experts in the field of brachial plexus birth palsy surgery, to provide a follow-up guideline. A total of 35 experts attending an international meeting with a mean of 21.5 years (SD 10.1) of experience in the field filled out a questionnaire to evaluate the following: (1) the surgeons' background; (2) clinical follow-up; (3) radiological follow-up; and (4) International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) domains. A mean of 40 new brachial plexus birth palsy patients were seen per year by each expert, of which 36% needed surgery. In total, 27 experts scheduled a regular follow-up every year and the majority (83%) believed that standardized long-term clinical follow-up is necessary. However, standardized radiological follow-up is not necessary. Only 13 of 34 participants used patient-reported outcome measures to investigate ICF domains.Level of evidence: V.

Brachial plexus birth injury: advances and controversies.

While there is considerable spontaneous recovery in most cases of brachial plexus birth injury, many children are left with significant problems that may lead to lifelong functional limitations, loss of work and social isolation. Detailed treatment with the right strategy can provide very valuable improvement in function. Over the past few years, the clinical approach to brachial plexus birth palsy has entered a new era in both diagnostic and surgical treatment methods. This article reviews four areas of management, the role of imaging in defining the severity of the injury, the optimal timing of for nerve exploration and reconstruction in appropriate cases, the advantages and potential complications of nerve transfers, and the role of physiotherapy. Available evidence is considered. Although it is difficult to make clear and precise inferences on a subject where there are many variables and considerable uncertainties, some currently accepted views will be summarized.Level of evidence: V.

Changing handedness after nerve reconstruction in brachial plexus birth palsy.

Right obstetric brachial plexus injuries (OBPI) often lead to left-handedness before limb function is restored post-surgery. A pertinent question arises about promoting a transition from left to right-handedness. We hypothesized that, with the decrease in neuroplasticity, handedness switching is not only difficult, but also reduces handedness-speech lateralization, impaired motor adaptability, and compromised language proficiency. We retrospectively analyzed clinical data from January 1996 to January 2012 at our hospital. Participants were divided into intervention or control groups based on handedness switching. We compared handedness and computed lateral quotient (LQ) and lateralization index (LI) for handedness-speech center. Additionally, we assessed dominant hand's writing speed, language function, and IQ. Associations between absolute LI and LQ values, writing speed, language scores, and IQ were examined. Nineteen extended Erb's palsy participants were enrolled, eight in the intervention group, and 11 in the control. No right-handed individuals were found in either cohort. The intervention group had significantly lower LQ and LI values, and fewer achieved normal writing speed. Yet, no notable disparities in language scores or IQ emerged. Notably, we established correlations between motor finesse, handedness degree, and handedness-speech lateralization. For right extended Erb's palsy, shifting handedness is nearly unfeasible, and such an endeavor could trigger a reduction in handedness-speech lateralization magnitude and diminished motor finesse.

Nerve Tracing in Juvenile Rats: A Feasible Model for the Study of Brachial Plexus Birth Palsy and Cocontractions?

Brachial plexus birth injuries cause diminished motor function in the upper extremity. The most common sequel is internal rotation contracture. A number of these patients also suffer from cocontractions, preventing the use of an otherwise good passive range of motion in the shoulder. One theory behind the co-contracture problem is that injured nerve fibers grow into distal support tissue not corresponding to the proximal support tissue, resulting in reinnervation of the wrong muscle groups. To further elucidate this hypothesis, we used rat neonates to investigate a possible model for the study of cocontractions in brachial plexus birth injuries. Five-day-old rats were subjected to a crush injury to the C5-C6 roots. After a healing period of 4 weeks, the infraspinatus muscle was injected with Fluoro-Gold. A week later, the animals were perfused and spinal cords harvested and sectioned. Differences in the uptake of Fluoro-Gold and NeuN positive cells of between sides of the spinal cord were recorded. We found a larger amount of Fluoro-Gold positive cells on the uninjured side, while the injured side had positive cells dispersed over a longer area in the craniocaudal direction. Our findings indicate that the method can be used to trace Fluoro-Gold from muscle through a neuroma. Our results also indicate that a neuroma in continuity somewhat prevents the correct connection from being established between the motor neuron pool in the spinal cord and target muscle and that some neurons succumb to a crushing injury. We also present future research ideas.

Serratus anterior plane block analgesia for surgical restoration of brachial plexus birth palsy: A different approach for acute pain management.

Serratus anterior plane block analgesia for surgical restoration of brachial plexus birth palsy: A different approach for acute pain management.

Forearm Deformities in Birth Brachial Plexus Palsy - Patient Profile and Management Algorithm.

Forearm deformities are often seen in children with severe birth brachial plexus palsy (BBPP). They may be either a supination or a pronation deformity and both hinder normal use of the hand and parents often request for corrective surgery. However, the correction of these deformities can be challenging due to a paucity of options. Also, there is less information in literature on the management of forearm deformities in BBPP compared to the information with regard to nerve surgery or correction of shoulder deformities. This article presents a synopsis of incidence, pathogenesis, clinical presentation and parental concerns related to these deformities. The decision-making considerations, management strategies and outcome expectations are also discussed. Patient selection is very crucial, and the treatment plan must be individualised depending on the disability, parental expectations and existing motor power in the involved limb. Correction of both the deformities have different considerations; however, effective correction of these deformities is immensely satisfactory to the patient/parents in terms of improved function and appearance of the limb. Level of Evidence: Level V (Therapeutic).

Prospective study comparing outcomes of primary intraplexal repair versus distal nerve transfers in Narakas grade I birth brachial plexus palsy.

To compare the results of intraplexal repair and distal nerve transfer in babies with birth brachial plexus palsy (BBPP), children with Narakas group I obstetric palsy were assigned to two groups of 16 each. Children in group A were treated with classical intraplexal repair and those in group B were treated by distal nerve transfers. At 6 months, all the children in group B had achieved Modified Medical Research Council (MMRC) grade 3 elbow flexion along with 8 of the 16 children in group A, which was a statistically significant difference. At 6 months, all the children in group B achieved MMRC grade 3 or higher shoulder abduction and 8 of the 16 children in group A had done so, which was also statistically significant. At the final follow-up, the distal transfer surgical treatment group had a significantly higher Mallet score. Distal nerve transfers have a significant advantage in early recovery in elbow flexion and shoulder abduction, but the outcomes became similar after 9 months.Level of evidence: III.

Correlation between histopathological nerve assessment and clinical recovery in brachial plexus birth injuries.

In the management of brachial plexus birth palsies, the quality of the roots eligible for reconstruction is thought to be a key issue. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the correlations between pathological root examination and motor recovery after brachial plexus reconstructions. Quantitative histopathological analysis of intraneural fibrosis was conducted on 72 nerve transections (40 roots, 18 trunks and 14 suprascapular nerves) in 20 patients. Clinical recovery of targeted muscles after surgery was assessed by standardized functional scores. After a mean follow-up of 32 months, patients with a lower fibrosis rate for the suprascapular nerve had greater global Mallet scores (r = -0.57; p = 0.042) as well as a greater active shoulder flexion (r = -0.66; p = 0.015). Correlations were also found between C6 root and upper trunk fibrosis rate and some of the subsections of the Mallet score, active movement scale for the biceps and active elbow flexion. These results seem to confirm the relevance of intraoperative pathological evaluation of the roots and nerves after neuroma resection to optimally define the reconstruction strategy.Level of evidence: IV.

A systematic review of brachial plexus injuries after caesarean birth: challenging delivery?

BackgroundCaesarean section (CS) is widely perceived as protective against obstetric brachial plexus injury (BPI), but few studies acknowledge the factors associated with such injury. The objectives of this study were therefore to aggregate cases of BPI after CS, and to illuminate risk factors for BPI.MethodsPubmed Central, EMBASE and MEDLINE databases were searched using free text: (“brachial plexus injury” or “brachial plexus injuries” or “brachial plexus palsy” or “brachial plexus palsies” or “Erb’s palsy” or “Erb’s palsies” or “brachial plexus birth injury” or “brachial plexus birth palsy”) and (“caesarean” or “cesarean” or “Zavanelli” or “cesarian” or “caesarian” or “shoulder dystocia”). Studies with clinical details of BPI after CS were included. Studies were assessed using the National Institutes for Healthy Study Quality Assessment Tool for Case Series, Cohort and Case-Control Studies.Main results39 studies were eligible. 299 infants sustained BPI after CS. 53% of cases with BPI after CS had risk factors for likely challenging handling/manipulation of the fetus prior to delivery, in the presence of considerable maternal or fetal concerns, and/or in the presence of poor access due to obesity or adhesions.ConclusionsIn the presence of factors that would predispose to a challenging delivery, it is difficult to justify that BPI could occur due to in-utero, antepartum events alone. Surgeons should exercise care when operating on women with these risk factors.

Birth Brachial Plexus Palsy: An Indian Perspective.

Birth brachial plexus palsy (BBPP) is an unfortunate outcome of a difficult labor, which can often lead to long-lasting upper limb impairments. Spontaneous recovery may or may not occur. Timely diagnosis of the condition and initiation of the appropriate treatment can be instrumental in decreasing the functional impact. The management begins right from the day the child presents first and ranges from physiotherapy to surgical intervention such as nerve repair/transfer or grafts. The sequelae of the condition are also quite common and need to be detected preemptively with initiation of appropriate treatment. However, prevention is the key to reducing the incidence of secondary deformities. In this study, the team of authors, based on their considerable experience, discuss their approach to the management of BBPP. This is done in the background of Indian cultural practices and social constraints. A detailed discussion has been done on importance of preoperative passive joint mobilization regime and role of botulinum toxin in the authors' preferred ways of surgical correction of primary as well as secondary deformities. An extensive review of peer-reviewed publications has been done in this study, including clinical papers, review articles, and systematic review of the subject. Good results are possible with early and appropriate intervention even in severe cases.

Management of Brachial Plexus Birth Palsies: The Stanford Experience.

The start of Stanford's brachial plexus birth palsy (BPBP) experience dates back to 1983, when Dr. Vincent Rod Hentz visited Dr. Alain Gilbert on sabbatical. Since then, our principles of care for patients with BPBP have evolved based on our group's longitudinal experience caring for children with the entire spectrum of sequelae that arise in children with BPBP. We base our clinical decision making on frequent serial examinations and use intraoperative evoked potentials to guide surgical decisions. Here, we discuss our current principles on surgical indications, timing of surgery, and preferred techniques for secondary surgery in patients with BPBP.

Long-term functional outcome of secondary shoulder surgery in brachial plexus birth palsy patients.

Multiple secondary surgical procedures of the shoulder, such as soft-tissue releases, tendon transfers, and osteotomies, are described in brachial plexus birth palsy (BPBP) patients. The long-term functional outcomes of these procedures described in the literature are inconclusive. We aimed to analyze the literature looking for a consensus on treatment options. A systematic literature search in healthcare databases (PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane library, CINAHL, and Web of Science) was performed from January 2000 to July 2020, according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines. The quality of the included studies was assessed with the Cochrane ROBINS-I risk of bias tool. Relevant trials studying BPBP with at least five years of follow-up and describing functional outcome were included. Of 5,941 studies, 19 were included after full-text screening. A total of 15 surgical techniques were described. All studies described an improvement in active external rotation (range 12° to 128°). A decrease in range of motion and Mallet score after long-term (five to 30 years) follow-up compared to short-term follow-up was seen in most studies. The literature reveals that functional outcome increases after different secondary procedures, even in the long term. Due to the poor methodological quality of the included studies and the variations in indication for surgery and surgical techniques described, a consensus on the long-term functional outcome after secondary surgical procedures in BPBP patients cannot be made.