Late reconstruction of brachial plexus birth palsy

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.

Single Blind Randomized Controlled Trial of Modified Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy in Infants With the Sequelas of Unilateral Brachial Plexus Injury

Objective

To explore the effect of modified constraint-induced movement therapy (mCIMT) on upper limbs residual dysfunction for infancy with the sequelas of unilateral brachial plexus injury (uBPI).

Methods

Single blind randomized controlled trial of mCIMT vs. standard care. An enrolling 31 infants with a uBPI exhibiting residual dysfunction of the affected upper limb for over 6 months was conducted. And functional outcomes pertaining to the affected upper limb were assessed via AMS, GRES, RHS, and MSS at 0, 3, and 6 months after treatment.

Results

No differences were found in baseline (acquisition phase) AMS, MSS, GRES, or RHS between the control and mCIMT groups [F(1, 14) = 0.062, P = 0.086; F(1, 14) = 0.483, P = 0.499; F(1, 14) = 0.272, P = 0.610; Z = -0.336, P = 7.373]. At the 3- and 6-month follow-up time points, AMS, MSS, and GRES scores were significantly improved over baseline in both groups [mCIMT: F(2, 30) = 183.750, 128.614, 110.085, P < 0.05; Control: F(2, 28) = 204.007, 75.246, 51.070, P < 0.05]. No significant differences were found between two treatment groups at the 3-month follow-up time point [F(1, 14) = 0.565, P = 0.465; F(1, 14) = 0.228, P = 0.641; F(1, 14) = 0.713, P = 0.413; Z = -0.666, P = 0.505]. However, at the 6-month follow-up time point, AMS and MSS scores were significantly improved in the mCIMT group relative to the control group [F(1, 14) = 8.077, P = 0.013; F(1, 14) = 18.692, P = 0.001].

Conclusion

mCIMT may benefit the rehabilitation of residual upper limb dysfunction associated with a uBPI in infants.

Clinical Trial Registration

[www.chictr.org.cn], identifier [ChiCTR1900022119].

The evaluation and management of neonatal brachial plexus palsy

Neonatal brachial plexus palsy presents at birth and can be a debilitating condition with long-term consequences. Presentation at birth depends on the extent of nerve injury, and can vary from transient weakness to global paresis, with active range of motion affected. Serial clinical examination after birth and during the neonatal period (first month of life) is crucial to assess recovery and predicts long-term outcomes. This position statement guides the evaluation of neonates for risk factors at birth, early referral to a multidisciplinary specialized team, and ongoing communication between community providers and specialists to optimize childhood outcomes.

L'évaluation et la prise en charge de la paralysie néonatale du plexus brachial

La paralysie néonatale du plexus brachial, qui se manifeste à la naissance, peut être débilitante et avoir des conséquences prolongées. La présentation à la naissance dépend de l'importance de la lésion nerveuse et peut varier entre une faiblesse transitoire et une parésie globale qui touche l'amplitude active des mouvements. Il est essentiel de procéder à des examens cliniques sériels après la naissance et pendant la période néonatale (jusqu'à l'âge d'un mois) pour évaluer le rétablissement et prédire le pronostic à long terme. Le présent document de principes décrit l'évaluation des facteurs de risque des nouveau-nés à la naissance, l'orientation précoce vers une équipe multidisciplinaire spécialisée et les communications entre les intervenants communautaires et les spécialistes pour optimiser le pronostic pendant l'enfance.

The outcome of soft-tissue release and tendon transfer in shoulders with brachial plexus birth palsy

Background

Shoulder involvement in brachial plexus birth palsy is common, and the adduction, internal rotation contracture deformity often requires some form of surgical treatment. There are very few long-term reports on release of contracted muscles and tendon transfers, especially in older children. We are reporting the single-center results of such a surgery with detailed outcome analysis.

Methods

The prospectively collected data from brachial plexus birth palsy cases who had undergone contracture release and tendon transfer were retrospectively studied and examined. The new Mallet and functional scores were compared with the original data forms and then analyzed. The radiographic evidence of glenoid dysplasia and its correlation with age and functional outcome was assessed.

Results

A total of 82 cases with surgery at mean age of 9.5 ± 5.09 years and a follow-up of 8 ± 3.8 (3-20) years entered the study. Of these, 56% of cases had 7 to 20 years of age at surgery. Fifty-four (66%) patients had only shoulder surgery, and 28 (34%) required additional reconstructive surgeries for hand and wrist. Moderate to severe glenohumeral dysplasia was present in 38%. The preoperative Mallet score of 10.6 ± 2.97 improved to 19.3 ± 3.39 (P < .001). Eighty-one percent of patients showed improvement in “reaching face” functions, 71% in “above head” functions, and 74% in “midline functions.” The cases with lack of improvement in midline function mostly belonged to pan-plexus injuries. Noticeable subjective and objective improvement was also observed in cases with glenohumeral dysplasia in their Mallet and functional scores (P < .001). The improvement in function and subjective satisfaction of 92% was observed irrespective of age at surgery.

Conclusion

Soft-tissue release and tendon transfer for brachial plexus birth palsy shoulder can improve function and limb appearance even in older children and young adults and even in the presence of glenohumeral dysplasia.

Brachial Plexus Birth Injury: Epidemiology and Birth Weight Impact on Risk Factors

BACKGROUND

Brachial plexus birth injury (BPBI) is a condition in which the brachial plexus is thought to be damaged during the birth process. Studies have cited a varying incidence rate ranging from 0.5 to 4.0 per 1000 live births. The purpose of this study is to evaluate birth claims data over a 15-year period to identify risk and protective factors for BPBI in the state of Colorado.

METHODS

A data request was made to the state hospital association for birth claims data. We requested all birth claims from the years 2000 to 2014. ICD9 codes for variables of interest included: BPBI, shoulder dystocia, heavy-for-dates, macrosomia, breech delivery, instrumented birth, birth hypoxia, and gestational diabetes. A multivariable logistic regression model quantified both risk and protective factors for the development of BPBI as odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CI).

RESULTS

There were 966,447 birth records received from State Hospital Association. The BPBI incidence was 0.63/1000 live births. The mean (SD) birth weight was 3187 (572) g for the total population and 3808 (643) g for the BPBI births. Later admission year indicated a decrease in BPBI births (OR, 0.94; 95% CI: 0.92, 0.96/y). Asian, black, and Hispanic infants were more likely to have a BPBI than white infants. Shoulder dystocia (OR, 60.37; 95% CI: 47.90, 76.13) was the highest risk factor for BPBI followed by instrumented forceps birth (OR, 21.04; 95% CI: 12.22, 36.21), breech delivery (OR, 15.38; 95% CI: 5.60, 42.25), and gestational diabetes (OR, 4.46; 95% CI: 3.29, 6.57). Cesarean single births had the lowest risk for BPBI (0.27; 95% CI: 0.20, 0.37), whereas cesarean multiple births (2.33; 95% CI: 1.10, 4.94) and natural multiple births (3.20; 95% CI: 1.36, 7.55) were at higher risk when compared with natural single births and all were statistically significant at P<0.027. Colorado births had a decreased risk of BPBI compared with the United States each year from 2000 (0.82/1000 births vs. 1.6/1000 live births, P<0.001) to 2012 (0.56/1000 live births vs. 0.9/1000 live births, P=0.003).

CONCLUSIONS

BPBI has decreased from 2000 to 2014. Historically Colorado has had a lower BPBI incidence than the United States. Shoulder dystocia, instrumented forceps birth, gestational diabetes, and breech delivery are the biggest predictors for BPBI. Increased awareness of shoulder dystocia and instrumented birth are hypothesized to have reduced these incidences. Nonwhites and Medicaid patients seem to be at higher risk for BPBI.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level II-Prognostic.

The Epidemiology of Brachial Plexus Birth Palsy in the United States: Declining Incidence and Evolving Risk Factors

BACKGROUND

The epidemiology of brachial plexus birth palsy (BPBP) in the United States may be changing over time due to population-level changes in obstetric care.

METHODS

The Kids' Inpatient Database from 1997 to 2012 was analyzed. Annual estimates of BPBP incidence and disease determinant distribution were calculated for the general population and the study population with BPBP. Long-term trends were analyzed. A multivariate logistic regression model was used to quantify the risk associated with each determinant.

RESULTS

The database yielded a combined total of 5,564,628 sample births extrapolated to 23,385,597 population births. The population incidence of BPBP dropped 47.1% over the 16-year study period, from 1.7 to 0.9 cases per 1000 live births (P<0.001). Female, black, and Hispanic subgroups had moderately increased risks of BPBP. Among children with BPBP, 55.0% had no identifiable risk factor. Shoulder dystocia was the strongest risk factor for BPBP in the regression model [odds ratio (OR), 113.2; P<0.001], although the risk of sustaining a BPBP in the setting of shoulder dystocia decreased from 10.7% in 1997 to 8.3% in 2012 (P=0.006). Birth hypoxia was independently associated with BPBP (OR, 3.1; P<0.001). Cesarean delivery (OR, 0.16; P<0.001) and multiple gestation birth (OR, 0.45; P<0.001) were associated with lower incidence of BPBP. Notably, the rate of cesarean delivery increased by 62.8% during the study period, from 20.9% in 1997 to 34.0% in 2012 (P<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Over a 16-year period, the incidence of BPBP fell dramatically, paralleled by a significant increase in the rate of cesarean delivery. Systemic changes in obstetric practice may have contributed to these trends. As more than half of BPBP cases have no identifiable risk factor, prospective investigation of established risk factors and characterization of new disease determinants are needed to more reliably identify infants at greatest risk. Racial and geographic inequalities in disease burden should be investigated to identify interventional targets.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III-case series.

Brachial plexus birth palsy: Management during the first year of life

Brachial plexus birth palsy (BPBP) is defined as an injury to any nerve root of the brachial plexus during difficult delivery. BPBP is relatively rare; its incidence has remained constant over the last few decades, mostly due to unpredictable risk factors, such as shoulder dystocia. Both diagnosis and assessment of spontaneous recovery is based on clinical examination. Electromyography is difficult to interpret in the newborn and is therefore not meaningful. MRI of the cervical spine requires sedation or general anesthesia. Searching for a pre-ganglion tear prior to surgery is indicted. Prognosis depends on the level of the injury (pre- or post-ganglion), size and severity of the post-ganglion tears, speed of recovery, and quality of initial management. Although spontaneous recovery is frequent, some children suffer various degrees of sequelae, up to complete loss of function of the affected upper limb. Recent publications have improved general knowledge and indications for surgery. However, some aspects, such as indication and timing of nerve repair continue to be debated.