A Multidisciplinary Approach to Brachial Plexus Birth Injury: An Overview and Institutional Experience

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Orthopedics
• Neurology
• Rehabilitation Medicine

Background:

• Brachial plexus birth injuries (BPBIs) can lead to permanent upper extremity dysfunction.
• Historically treated by single specialists, BPBIs now benefit from a multidisciplinary approach.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the key providers within brachial plexus injury clinics.
• To describe the multidisciplinary care experience for BPBIs at Texas Children's Hospital.

Main Methods:

• Review of multidisciplinary team care models for BPBIs.
• Description of the collaborative process among specialists in a dedicated clinic setting.

Main Results:

• BPBIs necessitate a team of specialists including radiologists, physiatrists, occupational therapists, nerve surgeons, and shoulder surgeons.
• Care plans are individualized, incorporating therapies like range-of-motion exercises, splinting, and surgical interventions when necessary.

Conclusions:

• Multidisciplinary care is crucial for managing the complexity of brachial plexus birth injuries.
• Integrated care models improve patient outcomes and address the multifaceted nature of BPBIs.