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Pain Interference in Young Adults With Brachial Plexus Birth Injuries

Maya Benuzzi1, Amanda Langleben1, Lexi Davidson1

  • 1Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.

The Journal of Hand Surgery
|March 19, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Young adults with brachial plexus birth injuries (BPBI) experience significant pain interference and upper limb limitations. This widespread pain impacts daily life, highlighting the need for ongoing management beyond childhood.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Orthopedics
  • Pain Management

Background:

  • Brachial plexus birth injuries (BPBI) management typically focuses on pediatric care.
  • Long-term pain and functional outcomes in young adults with BPBI are not well understood.
  • Persistent pain beyond childhood suggests a need for continued clinical attention.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare pain interference in young adults with BPBI versus matched controls.
  • To assess pain intensity, upper limb function, and pain distribution in BPBI patients.
  • To investigate the long-term impact of BPBI into young adulthood.

Main Methods:

  • Cross-sectional study comparing 26 young adults with BPBI and 26 healthy controls.
  • Participants completed online questionnaires: Brief Pain Inventory and Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand.
  • Statistical analyses included Mann-Whitney U tests, Spearman correlations, and Fisher's exact tests.

Main Results:

  • BPBI participants reported significantly higher pain interference and upper limb activity limitation (P < .001).
  • Pain interference strongly correlated with activity limitation.
  • Widespread pain reported in BPBI patients, including elevated pain in the unaffected limb and trunk.

Conclusions:

  • Young adults with BPBI experience substantial, widespread pain impacting daily life.
  • Pain management strategies should extend into adulthood for BPBI patients.
  • Screening for pain, including potential overuse of the unaffected limb, is recommended.
Abstract

Keywords:
ActivityBrachial plexus birth injuryPain interferenceUpper limb functionYoung adults

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