Open AccessCan the Sup-ER Protocol Decrease the Prevalence and Severity of Elbow Flexion Deformity in Brachial Plexus Birth Injuries?
Author(s) -
Leeor S Yefet,
Doria Bellows,
Marija Bucevska,
Rebecca Courtemanche,
Kim Durlacher,
Sally Hynes,
Cynthia Verchere
Publication year - 2022
Publication title -
hand
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1558-9455
pISSN - 1558-9447
DOI - 10.1177/15589447221093673
Subject(s) - medicine , elbow , contracture , range of motion , muscle contracture , brachial plexus , cohort , joint contracture , elbow flexion , physical therapy , deformity , physical medicine and rehabilitation , surgery
Brachial plexus birth injuries (BPBIs) can often result in functional and cosmetic deficits including, according to a recent scoping review, elbow flexion contractures in up to 48%. A treatment algorithm that includes a custom long-arm orthosis to optimize early glenohumeral joint positioning (Sup-ER protocol) has been shown to improve shoulder range of motion. Although the protocol was not intentionally designed to affect the elbow, this study investigates the prevalence and severity of elbow flexion contractures in children treated with that protocol.