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Glenohumeral abduction contractures after residual neonatal brachial plexus injury

Sergi Alabau-Rodriguez1, Pablo Romero-Larrauri2, Francisco Soldado3

  • 1Hand, Elbow & Microsurgery Department, Hospital Universitari Quiron-Dexeus, Barcelona, Spain.

The Journal of Hand Surgery, European Volume
|September 15, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Glenohumeral abduction contractures are prevalent in children with neonatal brachial plexus injury, particularly affecting those with upper-limb injuries. This study highlights the commonality of this condition in affected pediatric patients.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Orthopedics
  • Neuromuscular Disorders
  • Rehabilitation Medicine

Background:

  • Neonatal brachial plexus injury (NBPI) is a significant concern in pediatric neurology and orthopedics.
  • Glenohumeral abduction contractures are a known complication but lack extensive published data.
  • Understanding the prevalence and patterns of these contractures is crucial for effective management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of glenohumeral abduction contractures in a cohort of children with NBPI.
  • To investigate the association between contracture occurrence and the specific pattern of NBPI.
  • To contribute to the limited published literature on this specific complication of NBPI.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data from 205 children diagnosed with NBPI.
  • Data included patient demographics, NBPI classification (e.g., C5-C6, C5-C7, C5-T1), and presence of glenohumeral abduction contractures.
  • Statistical analysis to determine prevalence and identify associated factors.

Main Results:

  • A high prevalence of glenohumeral abduction contractures was observed, affecting 69% of the studied children.
  • Contractures were more frequently identified in patients with upper NBPI patterns (e.g., C5-C6, C5-C7).
  • The mean age of the cohort was 9.6 years, with 58% having C5-C6 involvement.

Conclusions:

  • Glenohumeral abduction contractures are a common complication in children with neonatal brachial plexus injury.
  • The incidence of contractures is higher in cases involving the upper brachial plexus nerve roots.
  • Further research and early intervention strategies are warranted for managing these contractures in pediatric NBPI patients.

Keywords:
Neonatal brachial plexus injurybirth palsyglenohumeral contracturesobstetrical palsyshoulder abduction contracture

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