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Sensory Outcome in Children Following Microsurgery for Brachial Plexus Birth Injury

Emily S Ho1, Kristen Davidge2, Christine G Curtis3

  • 1Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Rehabilitation Sciences Institute, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

The Journal of Hand Surgery
|July 26, 2018
PubMed

Insights

Microsurgical reconstruction for brachial plexus birth injury (BPBI) in children can lead to good sensory recovery. Most children achieve normal sensation, with deficits typically being mild.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Orthopedics
  • Neurology
  • Microsurgery

Background:

  • Limited data exists on sensory outcomes in children with brachial plexus birth injury (BPBI).
  • Microsurgical reconstruction is a key intervention for BPBI.
  • Evaluating sensory function is crucial for assessing treatment efficacy.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the sensory function of the hand in children with BPBI following microsurgical reconstruction.
  • To compare sensory outcomes between different types of brachial plexus injuries.

Main Methods:

  • The study evaluated sensory thresholds using the Weinstein Enhanced Sensory Test and stereognosis testing.
  • Participants included children with upper and total plexus injuries.
  • The study design was prognostic, Level IV evidence.

Main Results:

  • Out of 63 children, 38% had abnormal sensory thresholds in the affected hand; most deficits were mild.
  • Sensory impairment was observed in 43% of upper plexus and 34% of total plexus injury groups.
  • Stereognosis was impaired in 29% of children, with no significant difference between injury types.

Conclusions:

  • Microsurgical reconstruction, particularly for total plexus injuries involving the lower trunk, can yield sensory recovery comparable to upper plexus injuries.
  • A significant proportion of children achieve normal sensory outcomes post-surgery.
  • When sensory deficits occur, they are generally mild.
Abstract

Keywords:
Adolescentbrachial plexus injurychildoutcomessensation

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