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Child's Nervous System

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01-11-2020 | Brachial Plexus Palsy | Original Article

The results of decompression of the musculocutaneous nerve entrapment in children with obstetric brachial plexus palsy

Authors: Tüzün Fırat, Kıvanç Delioğlu, Yasin Tunç, Akın Üzümcügil, Mehmet Yörübulut, Gürsel Leblebicioğlu

Published in: Child's Nervous System | Issue 11/2020

Abstract

Purpose

Elbow flexion is a key indicator of functional recovery in obstetric brachial plexus palsy (OBPP). However, lack of flexion could be a result of an entrapped musculocutaneous nerve during the healing period. The purpose of this study was to investigate the possible compression of the musculocutaneous nerve and outcomes of decompression.

Methods

The study included 11 children aged with a mean age of 10.9 ± 2.7 months (range, 8–16 months) with Narakas 2 involvement OBPP, who had insufficient elbow flexion but had satisfactory shoulder abduction. Prior to surgery, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed to identify the entrapment. The children were evaluated pre-operatively and at 3 and 12 months postoperatively using the Active Movement Scale and Faradic Excitability Test. The musculocutaneous nerve was explored and decompressed in all the children. Regular physiotherapy and a home exercise programme were prescribed after surgery.

Results

The MRI findings were consistent with the surgical exploration in all the infants. Statistical analyses showed that decompression of the musculoskeletal nerve improved active movement scale scores on elbow flexion and faradic excitability test values of biceps brachii within 3 months after surgery.

Conclusion

Children with delayed elbow flexion and satisfactory shoulder abduction may have an entrapped musculocutaneous nerve in the proximal arm and decompression of the nerve improves elbow function.

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Title: The results of decompression of the musculocutaneous nerve entrapment in children with obstetric brachial plexus palsy
Authors: Tüzün Fırat
Kıvanç Delioğlu
Yasin Tunç
Akın Üzümcügil
Mehmet Yörübulut
Gürsel Leblebicioğlu
Publication date: 01-11-2020
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Keywords: Brachial Plexus Palsy
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Published in: Child's Nervous System / Issue 11/2020
Print ISSN: 0256-7040
Electronic ISSN: 1433-0350
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00381-020-04828-8

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on sleep in brain health

Springer Medicine

The results of decompression of the musculocutaneous nerve entrapment in children with obstetric brachial plexus palsy

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on sleep in brain health

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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