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Child's Nervous System
Published in: Child's Nervous System 5/2024

06-01-2024 | Brachial Plexus Palsy | Research

Hand function outcomes following surgical treatment of complete neonatal brachial plexus palsy

Authors: Mario Gilberto Siqueira, Carlos Otto Heise, Roberto Sergio Martins, Monise Zaccariotto, Mariana Pessa, Hugo Sterman-Neto

Published in: Child's Nervous System | Issue 5/2024

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Abstract

Purpose

Although re-innervation of the hand is considered a priority in the treatment of infants with complete brachial plexus injury, there is currently a paucity of publications investigating hand function outcomes following primary nerve reconstruction in infants with neonatal brachial plexus palsy (NBPP). This study therefore aimed to evaluate hand function outcomes in a series of patients with complete NBPP.

Methods

This retrospective case series included all patients who underwent primary nerve surgery for complete neonatal brachial plexus palsy over an 8-year period. Outcomes were assessed using the Raimond Hand Scale. Classification of grade 3 or higher indicates a functional hand (assistance in bimanual activity).

Results

Nineteen patients with a complete NBPP underwent primary nerve reconstruction at a mean age of 3.7 months. Periodic clinical evaluations were performed until at least 4 years of age. According to the Raimondi hand scale, one patient did not recover (grade 0), three patients attained grade 1, four grade 2, ten grade 3, and in one grade 4. Overall hand functional recovery was achieved in 57.8% (11/19) of patients.

Conclusion

Sufficient recovery of hand function to perform bimanual activity tasks in patients with complete NBPP lesions is possible and should be a priority in the surgical treatment of these infants.
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Metadata
Title
Hand function outcomes following surgical treatment of complete neonatal brachial plexus palsy
Authors
Mario Gilberto Siqueira
Carlos Otto Heise
Roberto Sergio Martins
Monise Zaccariotto
Mariana Pessa
Hugo Sterman-Neto
Publication date
06-01-2024
Publisher
Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in
Child's Nervous System / Issue 5/2024
Print ISSN: 0256-7040
Electronic ISSN: 1433-0350
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00381-023-06269-5

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