Neonatal brachial plexus injury: obstetrical factors and neonatal management

Shobha H Mehta1, Bernard Gonik

  • 1Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Women's Health, Henry Ford Health System, Detroit, MI 48202, USA. smehta3@hfhs.org

Neonatal brachial plexus injury (BPI) is a birth outcome characterized by injury to the brachial plexus identified after delivery. Though uncommon, its potential occurrence following delivery is concerning for both the delivering clinician as well as the pediatric team. Considerable research looking at delivery factors, including forces applied at the time of delivery and management of the BPI after it has occurred, has led to a better understanding, if not a lower rate, of BPI. This information is reviewed below.

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