Subscapularis impairment on magnetic resonance imaging is correlated with functional limitations in neonatal brachial
Maxime Balloufaud1, Sarah Hosni2, Julie Bolivar3
1PhyMedExp, CNRS UMR 9214, INSERM U1046, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France.
Insights
In children with neonatal brachial plexus palsy (NBPP), significant subscapularis muscle fatty infiltration correlates with functional shoulder deficits. Examining muscle health alongside bone structure in MRI is crucial for pediatric NBPP patients.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Orthopedics
- Neuromuscular Disorders
- Musculoskeletal Imaging
Background:
- Neonatal brachial plexus palsy (NBPP) can lead to significant functional shoulder deficits in children.
- Understanding the correlation between imaging findings and functional limitations is essential for effective management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the relationship between functional shoulder deficits and MRI-detected shoulder abnormalities in children with NBPP.
- To identify specific MRI indicators associated with functional limitations in pediatric NBPP.
Main Methods:
- Assessed shoulder function in 16 children with NBPP using isokinetic dynamometry for rotator muscle strength and the modified Mallet score.
- Utilized MRI to determine subscapularis and infraspinatus muscle thickness and fatty infiltration, as well as glenoid morphology.
Main Results:
- Higher subscapularis muscle fatty infiltration was associated with greater alterations in muscle thickness.
- The subgroup with the highest subscapularis fatty infiltration showed the most significant impact on the modified Mallet score, indicating poorer function.
Conclusions:
- Subscapularis muscle impairments are a primary contributor to functional limitations in pediatric NBPP.
- Routine MRI assessments for NBPP should include detailed muscle evaluation, not just bone parameters, to better understand functional deficits.
Purpose:
The relationship between functional shoulder deficits in children with neonatal brachial plexus palsy (NBPP) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) shoulder abnormalities was evaluated.
Methods:
Shoulder function was assessed in 16 children (mean age: 5.8 years; range: 3-12 years) with NBPP based on shoulder rotator muscle strength, as measured using an isokinetic dynamometer and the modified Mallet score. The thickness and fatty infiltration of the subscapularis and infraspinatus muscles, and the morphology of the glenoid on MRI, were also determined.
Results:
The highest subscapularis fatty infiltration subgroup of NBPP patients promoted the highest alteration muscle thickness and modified Mallet score.
Conclusions:
In NBPP children, subscapularis impairments play a major role in the functional limitations. This study of pediatric NBPP patients highlighted the value of adding an examination of the muscles to routine MRI assessment of bone parameters in the shoulders of NBPP children.
Trial Registration:
NCT03440658.
More Related Videos
09:14Surface Electromyographic Biofeedback as a Rehabilitation Tool for Patients with Global Brachial Plexus Injury Receiving Bionic Reconstruction
Published on: September 28, 2019
06:51Methods for In Vivo Biomechanical Testing on Brachial Plexus in Neonatal Piglets
Published on: December 19, 2019
