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Long‐term follow‐up of children with obstetric brachial plexus palsy I: functional aspects
Author(s) -
Strömbeck Christina,
KrumlindeSundholm Lena,
Remahl Sten,
Sejersen Thomas
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
developmental medicine and child neurology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.658
H-Index - 143
eISSN - 1469-8749
pISSN - 0012-1622
DOI - 10.1111/j.1469-8749.2007.00198.x
Subject(s) - brachial plexus , medicine , palsy , physical medicine and rehabilitation , physical therapy , elbow , wrist , surgery , pathology , alternative medicine
The aims of this study were to describe the development of sequelae in obstetric brachial plexus palsy (OBPP) and to identify possible differences in functional outcome from 5 years of age to follow‐up, 2 to 15 years later. A cohort of 70 participants (35 males, 35 females; age range 7‐20y, mean 13y 6mo [SD 4y 3mo], median 13y) with OBPP of varying degrees of severity were monitored. Differences in status between 5 years of age and follow‐up were studied. Active joint motion in the shoulder and hand function, especially grip strength, generally remained unchanged or improved, whereas a slight but significant deterioration occurred in elbow function. Shoulder surgery resulted in considerable improvement of shoulder function. Participants with nerve reconstruction had a similar profile of change as the non‐operated group. It was concluded that ongoing follow‐up of children with OBPP, beyond the preschool years, is required due to decreases in elbow function, a commonly occurring restriction in external rotation of the shoulder, together with individual variations in long‐term outcomes. In a related article (part II: neurophysiological aspects) long‐term neurophysiological and sensory aspects of OBPP are reported.