Hand function outcomes following surgical treatment of complete neonatal brachial plexus palsy.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Although re-innervation of the hand is considered a priority in the treatment of infants with complete brachial plexus injury, there is currently a paucity of publications investigating hand function outcomes following primary nerve reconstruction in infants with neonatal brachial plexus palsy (NBPP). This study therefore aimed to evaluate hand function outcomes in a series of patients with complete NBPP. METHODS: This retrospective case series included all patients who underwent primary nerve surgery for complete neonatal brachial plexus palsy over an 8-year period. Outcomes were assessed using the Raimond Hand Scale. Classification of grade 3 or higher indicates a functional hand (assistance in bimanual activity). RESULTS: Nineteen patients with a complete NBPP underwent primary nerve reconstruction at a mean age of 3.7 months. Periodic clinical evaluations were performed until at least 4 years of age. According to the Raimondi hand scale, one patient did not recover (grade 0), three patients attained grade 1, four grade 2, ten grade 3, and in one grade 4. Overall hand functional recovery was achieved in 57.8% (11/19) of patients. CONCLUSION: Sufficient recovery of hand function to perform bimanual activity tasks in patients with complete NBPP lesions is possible and should be a priority in the surgical treatment of these infants.