Navigating the gray zone: a guideline for surgical decision making in obstetrical brachial plexus injuries

2009 ◽  
Vol 3 (3) ◽  
pp. 173-180 ◽  
Author(s):  
James R. Bain ◽  
Carol DeMatteo ◽  
Deborah Gjertsen ◽  
Robert D. Hollenberg
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Brachial Plexus ◽  
External Rotation ◽  
Elbow Flexion ◽  
Complete Recovery ◽  
Shoulder Abduction ◽  
Active Movement ◽  
Gray Zone ◽  
Surgical Decision ◽  
Surgical Decision Making

Object In the literature, the best recommendations are imprecise as to the timing and selection of infants with obstetrical brachial plexus injury (OBPI) for surgical intervention. There is a gray zone (GZ) in which the decision as to the benefits and risks of surgery versus no surgery is not clear. The authors propose to describe this category, and they have developed a guideline to assist surgical decision-making within this GZ. Methods The authors first performed a critical review of the medical literature to determine the existence of a GZ in other clinical publications. In those reports, 47–89% of infants with OBPI fell within such a GZ. Complete recovery in those reported patients ranged from 9 to 59%. Using a prospective inception cohort design, all infants referred to the OBPI Clinic at McMaster Children's Hospital were systematically evaluated up to 3 years of age. The Active Movement Scale scores were compared for surgical and nonsurgical groups of infants in the GZ to identify any important trends that would guide surgical decision-making. Results In the authors' population of infants with OBPI, 81% fell within the GZ, of whom 44% achieved complete recovery. Mean scores differed significantly between surgery and no surgery groups in terms of total Active Movement Scale score and shoulder abduction and flexion at 6 months. Elbow flexion and external rotation differed at 3 months. Conclusions There is compelling evidence that there is a group of infants with OBPI in whom the assessment of the risk/benefit ratio for surgical versus nonsurgical treatment is not evident. These infants reside within what the authors have called the GZ. Based on their results, a guideline was derived to assist clinicians working with infants with OBPI to navigate the GZ.

Neurolysis alone as the treatment for neuroma-in-continuity with more than 50% conduction in infants with upper trunk brachial plexus birth palsy

2014 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 229-237 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emily Andrisevic ◽  
Marshall Taniguchi ◽  
Michael D. Partington ◽  
Julie Agel ◽  
Ann E. Van Heest
Keyword(s):  
Brachial Plexus ◽  
External Rotation ◽  
Severe Disease ◽  
Treatment Algorithm ◽  
Elbow Flexion ◽  
Functional Improvement ◽  
Shoulder Abduction ◽  
Active Movement ◽  
Nerve Injuries

Object The debate addressed in this article is that of surgical treatment methods for a neuroma-in-continuity. The authors of this study chose to test the hypothesis that more severe nerve injuries, as distinguished by < 50% conduction across a neuroma-in-continuity, could be treated with neuroma resection and grafting, whereas less severe nerve injuries, with > 50% conduction across the neuroma, could be treated with neurolysis alone. Methods The goal of this study was to compare preoperative and postoperative Active Movement Scale (AMS) scores in children with upper trunk brachial plexus birth injuries treated with neurolysis alone if the neuroma's conductivity was > 50% on intraoperative nerve testing. Seventeen patients (7 male, 10 female) met the criteria for inclusion in this study. Surgery was done when the patients were an average of 10 months old (range 6–19 months). The authors analyzed AMS scores from the preoperative assessment, 1-year postoperative follow-up visit, and subsequent follow-up assessment as close to 3 years after surgery as possible (referred to in this paper as > 2-year postoperative scores). Results Comparison of preoperative and 1-year follow-up data showed significant improvement in shoulder abduction, flexion, external rotation, and internal rotation; elbow flexion and supination; and wrist extension. Comparison of preoperative findings and results of assessment at > 2-year follow-up showed significant improvement in shoulder abduction, flexion, external rotation; and elbow flexion and supination. At final follow-up, useful function (AMS score of 6 or 7) was achieved for elbow flexion in 14 of 16 patients, shoulder flexion in 11 of 15 patients, shoulder abduction in 11 of 16 patients, and shoulder external rotation in 5 of 15 patients. Conclusions This report indicates that there is a subgroup of patients who can benefit clinically, with functional improvement of shoulder and elbow function, from treatment with neurolysis alone for upper trunk lesions demonstrating more than 50% conduction across the neuroma on intraoperative nerve testing. Patients with less than 50% conduction, indicating more severe disease, are treated with nerve resection and grafting in the authors' treatment algorithm.

Clinical findings in C5-C6 and C5-C7 root palsies with brachial plexus traction lesions

2012 ◽  
Vol 38 (3) ◽  
pp. 237-241 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. A. Bertelli ◽  
M. F. Ghizoni
Keyword(s):  
Brachial Plexus ◽  
External Rotation ◽  
Elbow Flexion ◽  
Clinical Findings ◽  
Hand Strength ◽  
Shoulder Abduction ◽  
Finger Extension ◽  
Root Injury ◽  
Flexion Extension

Stretch injuries of the C5-C7 roots of the brachial plexus traditionally have been associated with palsies of shoulder abduction/external rotation, elbow flexion/extension, and wrist, thumb, and finger extension. Based on current myotome maps we hypothesized that, as far as motion is concerned, palsies involving C5-C6 and C5-C7 root injuries should be similar. In 38 patients with upper-type palsies of the brachial plexus, we examined for correlations between clinical findings and root injury level, as documented by CT tomomyeloscan. Contrary to commonly held beliefs, C5-C7 root injuries were not associated with loss of extension of the elbow, wrist, thumb, or fingers, but residual hand strength was much lower with C5-C7 vs C5-C6 lesions.

scholarly journals Effect of Pitching Consecutive Days in Youth Fast-Pitch Softball Tournaments on Objective Shoulder Strength and Subjective Shoulder Symptoms

2017 ◽  
Vol 45 (6) ◽  
pp. 1413-1419 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Andrew Skillington ◽  
Robert H. Brophy ◽  
Rick W. Wright ◽  
Matthew V. Smith
Keyword(s):  
Shoulder Pain ◽  
External Rotation ◽  
Elbow Flexion ◽  
Strength Loss ◽  
Complete Recovery ◽  
Progressive Increase ◽  
Shoulder Abduction ◽  
Shoulder Injury ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Cross Sectional

Background: The windmill pitching motion has been associated with risk for shoulder injury. Because there are no pitching limits on youth fast-pitch softball pitchers, these athletes often pitch multiple games across consecutive days. Strength changes, fatigue levels, and shoulder pain that develop among female fast-pitch pitchers over the course of consecutive days of pitching have not been investigated. Hypothesis: Over the course of 2- and 3-day fast-pitch softball tournaments, pitchers will develop progressive objective weakness and increased subjective shoulder fatigue and pain without complete recovery between days. Study Design: Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: Fourteen female fast-pitch softball pitchers between the ages of 14 and 18 years were evaluated for strength and fatigue changes across 2- and 3-day tournaments. At the beginning and end of each day of tournament play, pitchers were asked to quantify shoulder fatigue and shoulder pain levels of their dominant throwing arm using a 10-point visual analog scale (VAS). Shoulder abduction, flexion, external rotation, internal rotation, elbow flexion, and elbow extension strength measurements were gathered using a handheld dynamometer. Results: Over the course of an average single day of tournament participation, pitchers developed significant increases in VAS scores for shoulder fatigue (median, 2.0; 95% CI, 1.3-3.0) and pain (median, 1.3; 95% CI, 0.5-2.3) and significant strength loss in all tested motions. Pitchers also developed significant increases in VAS shoulder fatigue (median, 3.5; 95% CI, 1.5-5.5), VAS shoulder pain (median, 2.5; 95% CI, 1.0-4.5), and strength loss in all tested motions over the entire tournament. Shoulder pain, fatigue, and strength do not fully recover between days. The accumulation of subjective shoulder pain and fatigue over the course of tournament play were closely correlated. Conclusion: Among youth female fast-pitch softball pitchers, there is a progressive increase in shoulder fatigue, pain, and weakness over the course of 2- and 3-day tournaments without full recovery between consecutive days of pitching.

Functional outcomes of tendon transfer for brachial plexus birth palsy using the Hoffer technique

2020 ◽  
Vol 102-B (2) ◽  
pp. 246-253 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ram K. Alluri ◽  
Nina Lightdale-Miric ◽  
Erin Meisel ◽  
Gina Kim ◽  
Jesse Kaplan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Brachial Plexus ◽  
Functional Outcomes ◽  
External Rotation ◽  
Shoulder Abduction ◽  
Active Movement ◽  
Brachial Plexus Birth Palsy ◽  
Derotational Osteotomy ◽  
Birth Palsy

Aims To describe and analyze the mid-term functional outcomes of a large series of patients who underwent the Hoffer procedure for brachial plexus birth palsy (BPBP). Methods All patients who underwent the Hoffer procedure with minimum two-year follow-up were retrospectively reviewed. Active shoulder range of movement (ROM), aggregate modified Mallet classification scores, Hospital for Sick Children Active Movement Scale (AMS) scores, and/or Toronto Test Scores were used to assess functional outcomes. Subgroup analysis based on age and level of injury was performed. Risk factors for subsequent humeral derotational osteotomy and other complications were also assessed. A total of 107 patients, average age 3.9 years (1.6 to 13) and 59% female, were included in the study with mean 68 months (24 to 194) follow-up. Results All patients demonstrated statistically significant improvement in all functional outcomes and active shoulder abduction and external rotation ROM (p < 0.001). Patients < 2.5 years of age had higher postoperative AMS, abduction ROM and strength scores, and aggregate postoperative Toronto scores (p ≤ 0.035) compared to patients ≥ 2.5 years old. There were 17 patients (16%) who required a subsequent humeral derotational osteotomy; lower preoperative AMS external rotation scores and external rotation ROM were predictive risk factors (p ≤ 0.016). Conclusion Patients with BPBP who underwent the Hoffer procedure demonstrated significant improvement in postoperative ROM, strength, and functional outcome scores at mid-term follow-up. Patients younger than 2.5 years at the time of surgery generally had better functional outcomes. Limited preoperative external rotation strength and ROM were significantly associated with requirement for subsequent humeral derotational osteotomy. In our chort significant improvements in shoulder function were obtained after the Hoffer procedure for BPBP. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(2):246–253.

The prognostic value of concurrent Horner syndrome in surgical decision making at 3 months in total-type neonatal brachial plexus palsy

2018 ◽  
Vol 43 (6) ◽  
pp. 609-612 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kiyoshi Yoshida ◽  
Hidehiko Kawabata
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Brachial Plexus ◽  
Prognostic Value ◽  
Motor Recovery ◽  
Brachial Plexus Palsy ◽  
Surgical Decision ◽  
Horner Syndrome ◽  
Neonatal Brachial Plexus Palsy ◽  
Surgical Decision Making ◽  
Total Type

We investigated the prognostic value of concurrent Horner syndrome for predicting spontaneous motor recovery in surgical decision making at 3 months with neonatal brachial plexus palsy. Medical records of 129 neonates with total-type brachial plexus palsy were reviewed, and clinical and follow-up data of patients with or without Horner syndrome were compared. Twenty-seven of 129 newborn babies with total-type palsy (21%) had concurrent Horner syndrome. Poor spontaneous motor recovery was observed in 21 (78%) neonates with concurrent Horner syndrome and in 84 (82%) without concurrent Horner syndrome. Concurrent Horner syndrome in neonates with brachial plexus palsy has no prognostic value in predicting poor spontaneous motor recovery of the brachial plexus in patients with total-type palsy. Level of evidence: III

Functional contribution of T1 to the brachial plexus in infants

2011 ◽  
Vol 37 (3) ◽  
pp. 237-243 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Fattah ◽  
C. G. Curtis ◽  
A. M. R. Agur ◽  
H. M. Clarke
Keyword(s):  
Brachial Plexus ◽  
Upper Limb ◽  
External Rotation ◽  
Physiological Activity ◽  
Arm Movement ◽  
Elbow Flexion ◽  
Early Postoperative Period ◽  
Active Movement ◽  
Anatomical Dissection ◽  
Obstetrical Brachial Plexus Palsy

To determine the contribution of the T1 root to movements of the upper limb in infancy, 40 infants presenting with obstetrical brachial plexus palsy who underwent resection and reconstruction of all brachial plexus roots with the exception of the T1 root were assessed in the early postoperative period. The movements of the limb were recorded using the Hospital for Sick Children active movement scale and demonstrated considerable variability. All movements of the upper limb were observed in this group with the exception of external rotation of the shoulder and elbow flexion. Classical accounts of the function of T1 have limited its activity to the small muscles of the hand and were based on anatomical dissection, brachial plexus injuries and electrical stimulation. By contrast, this study isolated the physiological activity of T1 and analysed the functional contribution of this root to arm movement. We show a greater than generally recognized contribution of T1 to the function of the upper limb in infants.

Partial Ipsilateral C7 Transfer to the Upper Trunk for C5-C6 Avulsion of the Brachial Plexus

Neurosurgery ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 70 (5) ◽  
pp. 1176-1182 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hua-Wei Yin ◽  
Su Jiang ◽  
Wen-Dong Xu ◽  
Lei Xu ◽  
Jian-Guang Xu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Brachial Plexus ◽  
External Rotation ◽  
Elbow Flexion ◽  
Suprascapular Nerve ◽  
Long Term Results ◽  
Shoulder Abduction ◽  
Novel Approach ◽  
Group A ◽  
Group B

Abstract BACKGROUND: Ipsilateral whole C7 root transfer has been reported in treating C5-C6 avulsion. To minimize donor deficits, partial ipsilateral C7 (PIC7) transfer was developed. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the long-term results of PIC7 transfer to the upper trunk in treating C5-C6 avulsion of the brachial plexus. METHODS: We prospectively studied 8 young adults with C5-C6 avulsion. Five patients (group A) who also had spinal accessory nerve (SAN) injury underwent PIC7 transfer to the upper trunk. The other 3 patients (group B) without SAN injury underwent a combination of PIC7 to the upper trunk and the SAN to the suprascapular nerve (SSN). Postsurgical evaluations including donor deficits, functional recovery, and co-contraction of the muscles were performed 1 week later and then at intervals of 3 months. RESULTS: After a mean period of 39.2 months, all subjects were found to have gained elbow flexion of 110 to 150° with muscle strength of M4-5. The patients in group B achieved external rotation of 60 to 70° at M3-4, and 2 achieved shoulder abductions approaching 180° at M4. The patients in group A showed no active external rotation and shoulder abduction of 25 to 50° at M2-3. The temporary deficits caused by PIC7 transfer disappeared in all subjects within the first 3 months. Co-contraction of the latissimus dorsi against the deltoid was recorded in group A but not in group B. CONCLUSION: PIC7 transfer, when combined with SAN transfer to SSN as a novel approach, is a safe, easy, and efficacious surgical procedure for patients with simple C5-C6 avulsion.

Multiple nerve transfers for the reanimation of shoulder and elbow functions in irreparable C5, C6 and upper truncal lesions of the brachial plexus

2008 ◽  
Vol 05 (02) ◽  
pp. 95-104 ◽  
Author(s):  
PS Bhandari ◽  
LP Sadhotra ◽  
P Bhargava ◽  
AS Bath ◽  
MK Mukherjee ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Brachial Plexus ◽  
External Rotation ◽  
Nerve Transfer ◽  
Elbow Flexion ◽  
Suprascapular Nerve ◽  
Shoulder Function ◽  
Spinal Nerve ◽  
Shoulder Abduction ◽  
Nerve Branch ◽  
Nerve Transfers

AbstractIn irreparable C5, C6 spinal nerve and upper truncal injuries the proximal root stumps are not available for grafting, hence repair is based on nerve transfer or neurotization. Between Feb 2004 and May 2006, 23 patients with irreparable C5, C6 or upper truncal injuries of the Brachial Plexus underwent multiple nerve transfers to restore the shoulder and elbow functions. Most of them (16 patients) sustained injury following motor cycle accidents. The average denervation period was 5.3 months. Shoulder function was restored by transfer of distal part of spinal accessory nerve to suprascapular nerve, and transfer of radial nerve branch to long head of triceps to the anterior branch of axillary nerve. Elbow function was restored by transfers of ulnar and median nerve fascicles to the biceps and brachialis motor branches of musculocutaneous nerve. All patients recovered shoulder abduction and external rotation; 7 scored M4 and 16 scored M3. Range of abduction averaged 1230(range, 800-1700). Full elbow flexion was restored in all 23 patients; 15 scored M4 and 8 scored M3. Patients with excellent results could lift 5 kgs of weight. Selective nerve transfers close to the target muscle provide an early and good return of functions. There is negligible morbidity in donor nerves. These intraplexal transfers are suitable in all cases of upper brachial plexus injuries.

scholarly journals Significance of Cervical MRI in Surgical Decision Making in Brachial Plexus Birth Injury

2016 ◽  
Vol 41 (9) ◽  
pp. S19
Author(s):  
Petra Grahn ◽  
Tiina Poyhia ◽  
Antti Sommarhem ◽  
Aarno Y. Nietosvaara
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Brachial Plexus ◽  
Birth Injury ◽  
Surgical Decision ◽  
Surgical Decision Making ◽  
Brachial Plexus Birth Injury

C5-8 neonatal brachial plexus palsy. Operative findings, reconstructive strategy and outcome

2020 ◽  
Vol 45 (8) ◽  
pp. 798-804
Author(s):  
Aude Lombard ◽  
Manon Bachy ◽  
Frank Fitoussi
Keyword(s):  
Brachial Plexus ◽  
External Rotation ◽  
Elbow Flexion ◽  
Active Movement ◽  
Brachial Plexus Palsy ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Neonatal Brachial Plexus Palsy ◽  
Brachial Plexus Repair ◽  
Operative Findings

From 1998 to 2014, we performed primary brachial plexus repair in 260 children with neonatal brachial plexus palsy. Thirty-three presented with a C5-8 palsy and 24 were reviewed for this study. The surgical strategy was to focus on repairing the upper trunk. Secondary surgical procedures were performed in 21 patients, mainly for shoulder external rotation deficit or weak wrist extension. After a mean follow-up of 9.7 years (range 3 to 19), the median Mallet score for the shoulder was 9.5 and the mean Raimondi score for the hand was 3.3. Median active movement scale was 5, 7 and 5.5 for the deltoid, biceps and triceps, respectively. We conclude that primary C5-8 brachial plexus reconstruction provides restoration of elbow flexion and most patients have a sensitive and functional hand. We also found that secondary surgery to improve shoulder and wrist function is often necessary, which should initially be explained to the family. Level of evidence: IV

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