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Relationship between discrepancies in upper-limb anthropometrics and functionality in children with obstetrical
Caleb A Gbiri1, Happiness A Aweto2, Subuola K Olaopa2
1Department of Physiotherapy, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Idi-Araba, Lagos, Nigeria. calebgbiri@yahoo.com
Insights
Children with obstetrical brachial plexus injury show significant upper-limb length and girth discrepancies. Early treatment commencement is linked to reduced discrepancies in affected limbs.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Rehabilitation
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Obstetrical brachial plexus injury (OBPI) in children often leads to limb length, girth, and functional deficits.
- The correlation between these physical discrepancies and functional impairment in OBPI patients remains incompletely understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate upper-limb length, girth, and functional performance discrepancies in children with OBPI.
- To determine the relationship between these physical discrepancies and functional outcomes in the affected limbs.
Main Methods:
- The study included 50 children with OBPI undergoing rehabilitation in Lagos, Nigeria.
- Measurements included upper-limb length, arm/forearm girth, and joint range of motion.
- Functional performance was assessed using the Modified Mallet Scale; data analyzed with Pearson's Correlation Coefficient and t-tests.
Main Results:
- Significant discrepancies in length, girth, and function were observed between affected and unaffected limbs.
- Mean discrepancies were 2.17 cm (length), 0.21 cm (arm girth), and 0.73 cm (forearm girth).
- Treatment commencement time (mean 2224.52 days) significantly correlated with limb length, girth, and functional performance.
Conclusions:
- Children with OBPI exhibit significant differences in limb length, girth, and function compared to unaffected limbs.
- A negative correlation exists between the timing of treatment initiation and the severity of discrepancies in affected limbs.
Background:
Children with obstetrical brachial plexus injury often present with relative reduction and deficit (discrepancies) in length, girth and functional performance in their affected upper-limb. However, the relationship between these discrepancies and the functional deficit is still unclear.
Objective:
This study evaluated discrepancies in upper-limb of children with obstetrical brachial plexus injury, and find the relationship between these discrepancies and the functional performances in the affected upper-limbs.
Methods:
This study involved 50 children with obstetrical brachial plexus injury undergoing rehabilitation at selected secondary and tertiary health institutions in Lagos state, Nigeria. Upper-limb-length, arm-girth and forearm-girth were measured using broad-blade anthropometer and inelastic tape measure. Modified Mallet-Scale was used to assess functional performances of the upper-limbs while joints' range of motion was assessed using a full-circle goniometer. Data was analysed using Pearson's Correlation Coefficient, paired and independent t-test.
Results:
Participants were aged 47.86 +/- 124.50 months. Discrepancies in upper-limb length and arm and forearm girth were 2.17 +/- 3.19 cm, 0.21 +/- 0.78 cm and 0.73 +/- 0.73 cm respectively. There was significant discrepancy in lengths, girths and functional performance between affected and unaffected upper-limb. The age of commencement of treatment ranged between one day and 2555 days with a mean of 2224.52 +/- 469.30 days. Time of commencement of treatment was significantly related with lengths, girths and functional performance of the affected upper-limbs.
Conclusion:
There are significant discrepancy in lengths, girth and functional performance between affected and unaffected upper limb of children with obstetrical brachial plexus injury. There is negative significant relationship between time of commencement of treatments and the discrepancies that occurred in the affected upper-limb of children with obstetrical brachial plexus injury.
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