Brain plasticity and age after restoring elbow flexion with distal nerve transfers in neonatal brachial plexus palsy and nonneonatal traumatic brachial plexus injury using the plasticity grading scale.

OBJECTIVE: Ulnar and/or median nerve fascicle to musculocutaneous nerve (MCN) transfers are used to restore elbow flexion following severe neonatal and nonneonatal brachial plexus injuries (BPIs). Restoring volitional control requires plastic changes in the brain. To date, whether the potential for plasticity is influenced by a patient's age remains unknown. METHODS: Patients who had presented with a traumatic upper (C5-6 or C5-7) BPI were divided into two groups: neonatal brachial plexus palsies (NBPPs) and nonneonatal traumatic BPIs (NNBPIs). Both groups underwent ulnar or median nerve transfers to the MCN for elbow flexion restoration between January 2002 and July 2020. Only those who attained a British Medical Research Council strength rating of 4 were reviewed. The primary comparison between the two groups was the plasticity grading scale (PGS) score to determine the level of independence of elbow flexion (target) from forearm motor muscle movement (donors). The authors also assessed patient compliance with rehabilitation using a 4-point Rehabilitation Quality Scale. Bivariable and multivariable analyses were used to identify intergroup differences. RESULTS: In total, 66 patients were analyzed: 22 with NBPP (mean age at surgery 10 months) and 44 with NNBPI (age range at surgery 3-67 years, mean 30.2 years; mean time to surgery 7 months, p < 0.001). All NBPP patients obtained a PGS grade of 4 at the final follow-up versus just 47.7% of NNBPI patients (mean 3.27, p < 0.001). On ordinal regression analysis, after nature of the injury was excluded because of excessive collinearity with age, age was the only significant predictor of plasticity (ß = -0.063, p = 0.003). Median rehabilitation compliance scores were not statistically different between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: The extent of plastic changes that occur for patients to regain volitional control over elbow flexion after upper arm distal nerve transfers following BPI is influenced by patient age, with complete plastic rewiring more likely in younger patients and virtually ubiquitous in infants. Older patients should be informed that elbow flexion after an ulnar or median nerve fascicle transfer to the MCN might require simultaneous wrist flexion.

Clinical and psychosocial outcomes following correction of supination deformity in obstetrical brachial plexus palsy patients: A retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Forearm supination contracture is the mostAQ common deformity of the forearm following obstetric brachial plexus palsy (OBPP). Supination deformities in OBPP may be corrected by performing forearm osteotomy; however, the high recurrence rate limits patient satisfaction. Apart from the cosmetic impairment of this deformity, there are no previous reports on the clinical and psychosocial outcomes of forearm osteotomy in patients with supination deformities secondary to OBPP. Therefore, our study aimed to assess the clinical, functional, and psychosocial outcomes following forearm pronation osteotomy in OBPP patients with supination deformity. METHODS: This retrospective study was conducted after a chart review of all OBPP sequelae with supination forearm deformity in patients who underwent forearm pronating osteotomy from 2006 to 2018. Data relating to OBPP were gathered, and functional and psychosocial outcomes were assessed using the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) questionnaire through interviews RESULTS: This study included 60 patients with a mean age of 8.7 years at the time of surgery. A total of 46 patients had lesions involving C5-T1 (76.7%). The mean preoperative supination deformity position was 68.5°, the mean amount of correction was 98.9°, and the mean forearm position was 30.5°, postoperatively. In the DASH assessment scale used postoperatively, 24 patients (42.9%) reported no restrictions on their daily activities, 25 patients (44.6%) believed that their social activities were unaffected, and 20 patients (35.7%) strongly disagreed with feeling less capable or less confident due to arm, shoulder, or hand problems. The factors significantly affecting position at the final follow-up were the amount of correction (p = 0.011), postoperative position (p = 0.005), and degree of pronation achieved (p = 0.02). The amount of correction significantly affected both self-confidence (p = 0.049) and activities of daily living (p = 0.033). CONCLUSION: In conclusion, our study showed that the position at the final follow-up, the degree of pronation achieved intraoperatively, and the postoperative position significantly affected the position at follow-up and the outcome assessment. The amount of intraoperative correction was significantly associated with higher self-confidence and normal activities of daily living.

Surgical timing in neonatal brachial plexus palsy: A PRISMA-IPD systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Neonatal brachial plexus palsy (NBPP) is a serious complication of high-risk deliveries with controversy surrounding timing of corrective nerve surgery. This review systematically examines the existing literature and investigates correlations between age at time of upper trunk brachial plexus microsurgery and surgical outcomes. METHODS: A systematic screening of PubMed, Cochrane, Web of Science, and CINAHL databases using PRISMA-IPD guidelines was conducted in January 2020 to include full-text English papers with microsurgery in upper trunk palsy, pediatric patients. Spearman rank correlation analysis and two-tailed t-tests were performed using individual patient data to determine the relationship between mean age at time of surgery and outcome as determined by the Mallet, Medical Research Council (MRC), or Active Movement Scale (AMS) subscores. RESULTS: Two thousand nine hundred thirty six papers were screened to finalize 25 papers containing individual patient data (n = 256) with low to moderate risk of bias, as assessed by the ROBINS-I assessment tool. Mallet subscore for hand-to-mouth and shoulder abduction, AMS subscore for elbow flexion and external rotation, and MRC subscore for elbow flexion were analyzed alongside the respective age of patients at surgery. Spearman rank correlation analysis revealed a significant negative correlation (ρ = -0.30, p < .01, n = 89) between increasing age (5.50 ± 2.09 months) and Mallet subscore for hand-to-mouth (3.43 ± 0.83). T-tests revealed a significant decrease in Mallet hand-to-mouth subscores after 6 months (p < .05) and 9 months (p < .05) of age. No significant effects were observed for Mallet shoulder abduction, MRC elbow flexion, or AMS elbow flexion and external rotation. CONCLUSION: The cumulative evidence suggests a significant negative correlation between age at microsurgery and Mallet subscores for hand-to-mouth. However, a similar correlation with age at surgery was not observed for Mallet shoulder abduction, MRC elbow flexion, AMS external rotation, and AMS elbow flexion subscores.

Development of the glenohumeral joint after subscapular release and open relocation in children with brachial plexus birth palsy: long-term results in 61 patients.

BACKGROUND: We present the long-term results of remodeling of the glenohumeral joint after open subscapularis elongation and relocation of the humeral head in patients with an internal rotation contracture and joint incongruity due to brachial plexus birth palsy. METHODS: In this before-and-after study, 61 patients who underwent open subscapularis elongation and reduction of the glenohumeral joint were evaluated with respect to joint remodeling, with a mean follow-up period of 10.2 years (range, 7-16 years). The mean age at operation was 3.2 years (range, 8 months to 15 years). Measurements of the percentage of the humeral head anterior to the midscapular line (PHHA), glenoid version, and diameter of the humeral head were recorded using magnetic resonance imaging, comparing the affected joints preoperatively vs. postoperatively (n = 31) and comparing the operated vs. unaffected sides postoperatively (n = 61). RESULTS: The mean increase in PHHA was 27.6 percentage points (95% confidence interval, 22.4-32.7 percentage points; P < .01), from 13.2% to 40.8%. The glenoid retroversion changed by 14.8° (95% confidence interval, 11.1°-18.4°; P < .01), from 25.4° to 10.6°, approaching a normal value. All patients, even those older than 5 years, showed a clear benefit from surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Our study confirms that open subscapularis lengthening with joint repositioning, up to the age of 5 years, gives consistent remodeling of incongruent shoulders with surprisingly small differences between the operated and unaffected shoulders at long-term follow-up. The findings indicate that open reduction is useful also in adolescents and challenges the notion that older children should be treated with derotational humeral osteotomy.

Isolated open anterior shoulder release in brachial plexus birth palsy.

BACKGROUND: In children with brachial plexus birth palsy (BPBP), a shoulder joint internal contracture is commonly observed, which may result in glenohumeral osseous deformities and posterior joint subluxation. The purpose of this retrospective study was to evaluate the impact of an isolated anterior shoulder release on osteoarticular disorders and assess the subsequent clinical improvements. METHODS: Forty consecutive BPBP patients with glenohumeral dysplasia underwent an open anterior shoulder release. Shoulder scans (ie, magnetic resonance imaging preoperatively and computed tomography postoperatively) were conducted to assess glenoid version and the percentage of the humeral head anterior to the middle of the glenoid fossa. Clinical data including analytical shoulder range of motion and modified Mallet scores were collected. RESULTS: After a mean follow-up period of 23 months, glenoid version and the percentage of the humeral head anterior to the middle of the glenoid fossa significantly improved from -32° and 18%, respectively, to mean postoperative values of -12° (P < .001) and 45% (P < .001), respectively. Passive and active external rotation increased from -2° and -43°, respectively, to 76° (P < .001) and 54° (P < .001), respectively. The mean modified Mallet score significantly improved from 14.2 to 21.4 points (P < .001). In 8 children with satisfactory passive motion, a latissimus dorsi transfer was performed secondarily to obtain satisfactory active motion. CONCLUSION: In BPBP patients with glenohumeral deformities, isolated open anterior release of the shoulder induces significant remodeling of the joint, reducing posterior joint subluxation and improving both passive and active shoulder ranges of motion. Additional latissimus transfer remains mandatory in selected cases to achieve satisfactory function.

Effectiveness of non-surgical and surgical interventions for elbow flexion contractures in brachial plexus birth injury: A systematic review.

PURPOSE: To conduct a systematic review of studies on non-surgical and surgical interventions for elbow flexion contractures secondary to brachial plexus birth injury (BPBI). METHODS: MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, and CINAHL databases were searched for randomized controlled trials, observational studies, and case series studies on treatment of elbow flexion contractures secondary to BPBI. Study quality was evaluated using the Effective Public Health Practice Project tool. RESULTS: Of the 950 records found, 132 full text articles were reviewed, and 3 cohort studies and 8 case series were included. The overall methodological quality of included studies was weak. The weak quality evidence demonstrated that significant gains in elbow extension passive range of motion (ROM) can be achieved with serial casting (range: 15 to 34.5 degrees) or elbow release surgery (range: 28.4 to 30.0 degrees). At best, a reduction to an elbow contracture between -15.0 and -18.8 degrees (casting) and -8.0 and -43.6 (elbow release surgery) can be achieved. Insufficient outcomes on elbow flexion ROM and strength were found in both non-surgical and surgical studies. CONCLUSION: The quality of evidence on the effectiveness of interventions for an elbow flexion contracture secondary to BPBI is weak. In the context of insufficient evidence on the risks of pursuing such interventions, it is prudent to attempt non-surgical interventions prior to surgery. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III - systematic review of level IV studies.

Secondary procedures for restoration of upper limb function in late cases of neonatal brachial plexus palsy.

Neonatal brachial plexus palsy is a devastating complication after a difficult delivery. The incidence of this injury has not significantly decreased over the past decades, despite all the advances in perinatal care. Although primary repair of the nerves with microsurgical techniques is the common treatment strategy nowadays, there are late cases in which secondary procedures in tendons or bones are necessary. Moreover, secondary procedures may be needed to improve the results of primary repair. A careful preoperative assessment of all the residual defects and deformities in upper limbs of these patients is essential. The aim of these procedures is usually to restore the deficient shoulder abduction and external rotation, release of any elbow flexion contracture or to correct a weak elbow flexion. More distally a supination or pronation deformity is usually apparent, and available options include tendon transfers or radial osteotomy. The wrist of these patients may be ulnarly deviated or may has absent extension, so tendon transfers or free muscle transfers can also be used for correction of these deformities. In severe cases, wrist fusion is an alternative option. The clinical presentation of the hand is highly variable due to complex deformities including thumb adduction deformity, metacarpophalangeal joints drop, and weak finger flexion or extension depending on the level of the injury. Each of these deformities can be restored with a combination of soft tissue procedures like local or free muscle transfer and bony procedures like arthrodesis.

Participation restrictions among adolescents and adults with neonatal brachial plexus palsy: the patient perspective.

PURPOSE: To examine the impact of neonatal brachial plexus palsy (NBPP) on societal participation of adolescents and adults. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted among patients with NBPP, aged ≥16 years, who had visited our NBPP clinic. Patients completed questions on the influence of NBPP on their choices regarding education/work and their work-performance, the Impact on Participation/Autonomy questionnaire and the Utrecht Scale for Evaluation of Rehabilitation-Participation (USER-P). In addition, health-related quality of life (HRQoL) was assessed. RESULTS: Seventy-five patients participated (median age 20, inter quartile range 17-27). Twenty were full-time students, 28 students with a job, 21 employed, two unemployed, and four work-disabled. Sixty-six patients had had a job at some stage. Patients' overall HRQoL was comparable to the general population. 27/75 patients reported that NBPP had affected their choices regarding education and 26/75 those regarding work. 33/66 reported impact on their work performance. On the Impact on Participation/Autonomy questionnaire, 80% (49/61) reported restrictions in the work-and-education domain, 74% in social-relations and 67% in autonomy-outdoors. 37/61 reported participation restrictions on the USER-P. CONCLUSIONS: Although their overall HRQoL was not impaired, a substantial proportion of adolescent/adult patients reported that NBPP had an impact on choices regarding education and profession, as well as on work-performance. Restrictions in participation, especially in work and education were also reported. Guiding patients in making choices on education and work at an early stage and providing tailored physical as well as psychosocial care may prevent or address restrictions, which may improve participation. Implications for Rehabilitation Adolescent and adult patients with neonatal brachial plexus palsy perceive restrictions in societal participation, especially regarding the work-and-education domain. All patients with neonatal brachial plexus palsy may perceive restrictions in societal participation regardless of lesion severity, treatment history and side of the lesion. Adolescents and adults with neonatal brachial plexus palsy report that their choices regarding education and work, as well as their work-performance are influenced by their neonatal brachial plexus palsy. Patients with neonatal brachial plexus palsy should be followed throughout their life in order to provide them with appropriate information and treatment when health- or participation-related issues arise. Rehabilitation treatment is the best option to address all of the aforementioned issues, as surgical options in adolescents and adults are limited.