Transient Brachial Plexus Traction Palsy Following Scoliosis Deformity Correction Surgery - A Case Report
R Manish1, Shreya Shenoy2, C S Vishnu Prasath1
1Department of Spine Surgery, SKS Hospital and Postgraduate Medical Institute, Salem, Tamil Nadu, India.
Insights
Pediatric spinal deformity correction can cause neurological issues. This study highlights rare cases of transient brachial plexus palsy after halo gravity traction, emphasizing good prognosis with medical management.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Orthopedics
- Neurology
- Spinal Surgery
Background:
- Neurological complications occur in 0.71-0.94% of pediatric spinal deformity corrections.
- Brachial plexus traction palsies are rare neurological complications in this context.
Introduction:
Correction of spinal deformity in the pediatric age group is associated with a neurological complication at a rate of 0.71-0.94%. Of these, primary brachial plexus traction palsies have been rarely reported.
Case Report:
We present two cases of complex painless spinal deformity in growing children, managed initially with halo gravity traction with post-operative transient brachial plexus palsy diagnosed on post-operative day 1. Post-operative magnetic resonance imaging showed edema around the brachial plexus which resolved at 4 weeks in both cases.
Conclusion:
Transient brachial plexus palsy may present postoperatively in patients with excessive correction of neck tilt angle and T1 slope angle. They generally have a good prognosis with medical management and the surgeon need not rush with a decision on re-exploration.
