American Association of Plastic Surgeons Meeting 2022

Long-term Outcome of Shoulder and Hand Function in Children Following Early Surgical Intervention for an Upper Brachial Plexus Injury

Rachel N Aber, Leslie A Grossman MPH, Aaron J Berger MD PhD, Andrew Price MD, Israel Alfonso MD, John AI Grossman MD FACS

Introduction

The management and evaluation of the shoulder is typically the primary concern for upper brachial plexus injuries however, there may exist concomitant hand function deficits rather than isolated shoulder deficits.

Objectives

The purpose of this study is to review long term hand function outcomes in children with an upper branchial plexus birth injury who underwent early nerve reconstruction.

Materials & Methods

Study design

A retrospective chart review of patients undergoing primary nerve reconstruction for BPBI between 2000-2005

Study population

Of the 55 patients with upper BPBI requiring reconstruction, 32 (58.2%) were available for long term follow-up.

Outcomes

Patients underwent clinical evaluation, including calculation of shoulder function by Miami shoulder score and hand function by 9-hole peg test.

Comparisons were made to the available normative population mean times matched for age, sex, and hand dominance.

Conclusions

The majority of our patients treated for a C5/C6 BPBI demonstrate persistent long-term hand deficits which may play a role in residual functional disability and if identified sooner may redirect early treatment strategies.

American Association of Plastic Surgeons Meeting 2022

Long-Term Outcome Of Hand And Shoulder Function In Children Following Early Surgical Intervention For Upper Brachial Plexus Birth Injury

Poster Presenter

Authors

Affiliations

Part of Topic