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Domeshek LF, Zuo KJ, Letourneau S, Klar K, Anthony A, Ho ES, Hopyan S, Clarke HM, Davidge KM. Surgery for internal rotation contracture in infancy may obviate the need for brachial plexus nerve reconstruction: early experience. J Shoulder Elbow Surg 2024; 33:291-299. [PMID: 37479177 DOI: 10.1016/j.jse.2023.06.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Shoulder internal rotation contracture and subluxation in the first year of life has long been recognized in some patients with brachial plexus birth injury (BPBI). Surgical management of shoulder pathology has traditionally been undertaken following nerve reconstruction as necessary. In some patients; however, shoulder pathology may impair or obscure functional neuromuscular recovery of the upper extremity. As a proof of concept, we report a highly selected subset of patients with BPBI in whom shoulder surgery undertaken before one year of age obviated the need for neuroma resection and nerve grafting. METHODS A retrospective review was performed of all patients with upper trunk BPBI who underwent shoulder surgery before one year of age from 2015 to 2018. Upper extremity motor function was evaluated with preoperative and postoperative Active Movement Scale scores, Cookie tests, and the requirement for subsequent neuroma resection and nerve grafting. RESULTS Fifteen patients with BPBI meeting the inclusion criteria underwent shoulder surgery (including a subscapularis slide and tendon transfers of the teres major and latissimus dorsi muscles) before 1 year of age. Preoperatively, no patients of the appropriate age passed the Cookie test for elbow flexion. Thirteen patients either passed the Cookie test or scored Active Movement Scale score 7 for elbow flexion at or before the last available follow-up undertaken at a median age of 3.4 [1.4, 5.2] years. One of those 13 patients underwent single fascicular distal nerve transfer to improve elbow flexion before subsequently passing the Cookie test. Two patients did not have sufficient follow-up to assess elbow flexion. CONCLUSION Although the exact role of shoulder surgery in infancy for BPBI remains to be defined, the findings from this study provide proof of concept that early, targeted surgical treatment of the shoulder may obviate the need for brachial plexus nerve reconstruction in a highly selected group of infants with BPBI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leahthan F Domeshek
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, The Hospital for Sick Children and the Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Kevin J Zuo
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, The Hospital for Sick Children and the Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Sasha Letourneau
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, The Hospital for Sick Children and the Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Karen Klar
- Department of Rehabilitation, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Alison Anthony
- Department of Rehabilitation, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Emily S Ho
- Department of Rehabilitation, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Sevan Hopyan
- Division of Orthopedic Surgery, The Hospital for Sick Children and the Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Howard M Clarke
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, The Hospital for Sick Children and the Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
| | - Kristen M Davidge
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, The Hospital for Sick Children and the Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Liu DS, Miller P, Rothenberg A, Vuillermin C, Waters PM, Bauer AS. Early Elbow Flexion Contracture Predicts Shoulder Contracture in Infants with Brachial Plexus Birth Injury. J Pediatr 2024; 264:113739. [PMID: 37717907 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2023.113739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2023] [Revised: 08/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine if children who present with an elbow flexion contracture (EFC) from brachial plexus birth injury (BPBI) are more likely to develop shoulder contracture and undergo surgical treatment. STUDY DESIGN Retrospective review of children <2 years of age with BPBI who presented to a single children's hospital from 1993 to 2020. Age, elbow and shoulder range of motion (ROM), imaging measurements, and surgical treatment and outcome were analyzed. Patients with an EFC of ≥10° were included in the study sample. Data from 2445 clinical evaluations (1190 patients) were assessed. The final study cohort included 72 EFC cases matched with 230 non-EFC controls. Three patients lacked sufficient follow-up data. RESULTS There were 299 included patients who showed no differences between study and control groups with respect to age, sex, race, ethnicity, or functional score. Patients with EFC had 12° less shoulder range of motion (95% CI, 5°-20°; P < .001) and had 2.5 times the odds of shoulder contracture (OR, 2.5; 95% CI, 1.3-4.7; P = .006). For each additional 5° of EFC, the odds of shoulder contracture increased by 50% (OR, 1.5; 95% CI, 1.2-1.8; P < .001) and odds of shoulder procedure increased by 62% (OR, 1.62; 95% CI, 1.04-2.53; P = .03). Sensitivity of EFC for predicting shoulder contracture was 49% and specificity was 82%. CONCLUSIONS In patients with BPBI <2 years of age, presence of EFC can be used as a screening tool in identifying shoulder contractures that may otherwise be difficult to assess. Prompt referral should be arranged for evaluation at a BPBI specialty clinic, because delayed presentation risks worsening shoulder contracture and potentially more complicated surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- David S Liu
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Patricia Miller
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Anna Rothenberg
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Carley Vuillermin
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Peter M Waters
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Atrium Health, Charlotte, NC
| | - Andrea S Bauer
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA.
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de Joode SGCJ, Meijer R, Samijo S, Heymans MJLF, Chen N, van Rhijn LW, Schotanus MGM. Long-term functional outcome of secondary shoulder surgery in brachial plexus birth palsy patients. Bone Joint J 2023; 105-B:455-464. [PMID: 36924164 DOI: 10.1302/0301-620x.105b4.bjj-2022-1069.r1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stijn G C J de Joode
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Traumatology, Zuyderland Medical Center, Heerlen, Netherlands
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Balgrist University Hospital, Zürich, Switzerland
- School of Care and Public Health Research Institute (CAPHRI), Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Remco Meijer
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Traumatology, Zuyderland Medical Center, Heerlen, Netherlands
| | - Steven Samijo
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Traumatology, Zuyderland Medical Center, Heerlen, Netherlands
| | - Marion J L F Heymans
- Zuyderland Academy, Zuyderland Medical Center, Sittard-Geleen and Heerlen, Netherlands
| | - Neal Chen
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Lodewijk W van Rhijn
- School of Care and Public Health Research Institute (CAPHRI), Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht, Netherlands
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Traumatology, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, Netherlands
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, UMC Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Martijn G M Schotanus
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Traumatology, Zuyderland Medical Center, Heerlen, Netherlands
- School of Care and Public Health Research Institute (CAPHRI), Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht, Netherlands
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Traumatology, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, Netherlands
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Ulmann ETE, Malessy MJA, Nagels J, Pondaag W. Shoulder Internal Rotation Contracture Formation in Surgically Managed C5, C6 Brachial Plexus Birth Injuries: Neurotmetic Lesions Fare Worse Than Avulsions. J Bone Joint Surg Am 2022; 104:2008-2015. [PMID: 36083976 DOI: 10.2106/jbjs.22.00373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A typical feature in infants with severe C5-C6 brachial plexus birth injury (BPBI) requiring nerve repair is the formation of shoulder internal rotation contracture (IRC). The underlying pathophysiological mechanism is unknown, and the sequelae can be difficult to treat. The severity of the IRC differs among children. C5-C6 lesions are heterogeneous at the root level. Our null hypothesis was that the type of root-level lesion (axonotmesis or neurotmesis versus avulsion) was not associated with the extent of IRC formation over time in children with upper-trunk BPBI. METHODS We performed a retrospective analysis of all patients with upper-trunk BPBI who underwent primary surgery of the C5 and/or C6 spinal nerves between 1990 and 2020 and had follow-up of at least 2 years. The primary outcome was passive shoulder external rotation (ER) in adduction at 1, 3, 5, 7, and 15 years of age. The secondary outcome was whether additional shoulder surgery was performed. The relationship between the nature of the C5-C6 lesion and IRC formation was analyzed using linear mixed models. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to estimate the cumulative risk of secondary shoulder procedures. RESULTS In total, 322 patients were analyzed; mean follow-up was 7.2 ± 4.6 years. The C5-C6 root lesion type was significantly related to the passive range of ER (overall test in linear mixed model, p = 0.007). Children with avulsion of C5 and C6 (n = 21) had, on average, 18° (95% confidence interval [CI], 6.3° to 30°) less IRC formation than those with neurotmesis of C5 and C6 (n = 175) and 17° (2.9° to 31°) less than those with neurotmesis of C5 and avulsion of C6 (n = 34). IRC formation did not differ between the neurotmesis C5-C6 and neurotmesis C5-avulsion C6 groups. Secondary shoulder procedures were performed in 77 patients (10-year risk, 28% [95%CI, 23% to 34%]). CONCLUSIONS Shoulder IRC formation in infants with BPBI with surgically treated C5-C6 lesions occurs to a lesser degree if the C5 root is avulsed than when C5 is neurotmetic. This finding provides insight into the possible causative pathoanatomy and may ultimately lead to strategies to mitigate IRC. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Prognostic Level III . See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva T E Ulmann
- Department of Neurosurgery, Leiden Nerve Center, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Martijn J A Malessy
- Department of Neurosurgery, Leiden Nerve Center, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Jochem Nagels
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Leiden Nerve Center, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Willem Pondaag
- Department of Neurosurgery, Leiden Nerve Center, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
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Lin JS, Samora JB. Brachial Plexus Birth Injuries. Orthop Clin North Am 2022; 53:167-177. [PMID: 35365261 DOI: 10.1016/j.ocl.2021.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Brachial plexus birth injuries (BPBIs) are typically traction type injuries to the newborn that occur during the delivery process. Although the incidence of these injuries has overall decreased from 1.5 to around 0.9 per 1000 live births in the United States over the past 2 decades, these injuries remain common, with incidence holding fairly steady from 2008 to 2014. Shoulder dystocia is the strongest identified risk factor, imparting a 100-fold greater risk. The newborn's shoulder is caught behind the mother's pubic bone, and traction performed on the child during delivery results in injury to the brachial plexus. Other risk factors associated with BPBI include macrosomia (birthweight > 4.5 kg), heavy for gestational age infants, birth hypoxia, gestational diabetes, and forceps or vacuum-assisted delivery. Breech presentation has also been described as a risk factor in the past, but there have been more recent data that challenge this association.
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Affiliation(s)
- James S Lin
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, 700 Children's Drive, T2E- A2700, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
| | - Julie Balch Samora
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, 700 Children's Drive, T2E- A2700, Columbus, OH 43205, USA; Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Nationwide Children's Hopsital, Columbus, OH, USA.
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Grahn P, Sommarhem A, Nietosvaara Y. A protocol-based treatment plan to improve shoulder function in children with brachial plexus birth injury: a comparative study. J Hand Surg Eur Vol 2022; 47:248-256. [PMID: 34763554 DOI: 10.1177/17531934211056998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Children with permanent brachial plexus birth injury have a high risk of developing posterior shoulder subluxation. In 2010, we implemented a protocol to reduce the incidence of this deformity, including early passive exercises, ultrasound screening, botulinum toxin-A injections, shoulder splinting and targeted surgeries. Two-hundred and thirty-seven consecutive children treated at our institution, with a mean follow-up of 11 years (range 1 to 17) were compared in three groups: children born from 1995 to 1999 (n = 53), 2000-2009 (n = 109) and 2010-2019 (n = 75). Posterior shoulder subluxation developed in 48% of all patients but the mean age at detection of shoulder subluxation decreased from 5 years to 4.9 months. Need for shoulder relocation surgery also decreased from 28% to 7%. Mean active shoulder external rotation in adduction improved from 2° to 46°. In conclusion, our established protocol has the potential to reduce the incidence of posterior shoulder subluxation in children with brachial plexus birth injury.Level of evidence: II.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petra Grahn
- Department of Pediatric Orthopedics and Traumatology, HUS Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Antti Sommarhem
- Department of Surgery, South Karelia Central Hospital, Lappeenranta, Finland
| | - Yrjänä Nietosvaara
- Department of Pediatric Orthopedics and Traumatology, HUS Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland.,Department of Pediatric Surgery, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
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The outcome of soft-tissue release and tendon transfer in shoulders with brachial plexus birth palsy. JSES Int 2021; 5:905-911. [PMID: 34505104 PMCID: PMC8411056 DOI: 10.1016/j.jseint.2021.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
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.
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