Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 2, 2026

Methods for In Vivo Biomechanical Testing on Brachial Plexus in Neonatal Piglets
Published on: December 19, 2019
Brachial Plexus Birth Injury in Elective Versus Emergent Caesarean Section: A Cohort Study
Haley F M Augustine1, Christopher J Coroneos1, Marie K Christakis2
1Division of Plastic Surgery, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON.
Objective:
Although Caesarean section (CS) is protective for brachial plexus birth injury (BPBI), the incidence is not zero. A trial of labour with unfavourable intrauterine positioning is hypothesized to result in excessive force on the brachial plexus. The purpose of this study was to determine the risk of BPBI in emergent CS versus elective CS.
Methods:
This was a retrospective cohort study. The authors used a nationwide demographic sample of all infants born in Canada from 2004 to 2012. BPBI diagnoses, risk factors, and national incidence data were obtained from the Canadian Institute for Health Information Discharge Abstract Database and Hospital Morbidity Database. The primary outcome was risk of BPBI in emergent CS versus elective CS.
Results:
BPBI incidence was 1.24 per 1000 live births. Known biases may have underestimated the incidence. CS (elective and emergent) was protective for BPBI as compared with vaginal delivery (odds ratio [OR] 0.15; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.13-0.18, P < 0.0001). Emergent CS was a moderately strong risk factor for BPBI versus elective CS (OR 3.14; 95% CI 1.79-5.10, P = 0.0001).
Conclusion:
Emergent CS is a moderate risk factor for BPBI compared with elective CS. Intrauterine positioning with a trial of labour may provide an antenatal etiology in these distinct cases.
Related Concept Videos
Birth Control Methods
Emerging Adulthood
Spinal Nerves: Plexus I
The Cervical Plexus
The cervical plexus, formed by the anterior rami of the first four...
Spinal Nerves: Plexus II
The Lumbar Plexus
The lumbar plexus is situated within the lumbar region of the back and is primarily formed by the first four lumbar spinal nerves (L1 to L4). This plexus extends its branches into several nerves, including the...
Introduction Cardiac Emergencies
Applications of GIS: Disaster Management and Emergency Response

