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1.
Surg Radiol Anat ; 45(12): 1567-1577, 2023 Dec.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37884742

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Clinical exam is the goldstandard for surgical indication. ENMG and conventional MRI are insufficient to understand the highly variable clinical presentation of brachial plexus (BP) lesions. DTI is based on motion of water molecules and can explore nerve function. PURPOSE: This pilot study of healthy subjects aimed to develop RESOLVE sequence for BP exploration using diffusion MRI. The main objective was to provide complete precise information from DTI cartography associated with anatomical data. METHODS: Six healthy volunteers were scanned using 3T PRISMA scanner with anatomic 3D STIR SPACE and RESOLVE diffusion sequences. Diffusion parametric maps of fractional anisotropy (FA) were extracted from RESOLVE acquisitions. A reproducible method for roots volumes and angles measurements was created using 3DSlicer. ROI were segmented on Mean B0 sequences. FA measurements were obtained with ROI on Mean B0 sequences. RESULTS: RESOLVE sequence was adapted to the BP. Mean FA was 0.30. Angles measurements on 3D STIR SPACE sequences showed increasing values from proximal to distal roots with an 0.6 ICC. Volume measurements on anatomic sequences varied widely from one root to another but did not show any significant difference on laterality. CONCLUSIONS: A new and reproducible method for BP exploration was developed, using MRI RESOLVE DTI sequences. Complete mapping was obtained but a low resolution of track density imaging did not allow to exploit distal nerves. Deterministic tractography principal limit was the lack of resolution. Extraction of diffusion, volumetric and angular parameters of the plexus roots, and scripts creation for image processing was adapted to the healthy BP.


Subject(s)
Brachial Plexus , Diffusion Tensor Imaging , Humans , Diffusion Tensor Imaging/methods , Pilot Projects , Magnetic Resonance Imaging , Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging , Brachial Plexus/diagnostic imaging , Anisotropy
2.
Medicina (Kaunas) ; 58(6)2022 Jun 15.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35744070

ABSTRACT

Background and objectives: Pediatric Outcome Data Collection Instrument (PODCI) is among the most described scales developed to evaluate the physical status of children and adolescents with various musculoskeletal disorders. We aimed to translate PODCI from English to Serbian, culturally adopt items and domains, evaluate the temporal stability, internal consistency and the test−retest reliability of PODCISR in children with obstetrical brachial plexus lesion (OBPL), and finally, to test the construct validity of PODCISR against muscular manual test (MMT) Materials and Methods: The study included 48 eligible participants aged between 2 and 10 years with OBPL. The MMT was used to test the construct validity. Results: There were no significant differences (p > 0.05) between test and retest for all PODCISR domains. Correlations for all tested domains with MMT were statistically significant except for biceps muscle and domains II and IV. Cronbach's alpha value of the Global Functioning Scale was good and equaled 0.838 for test and 0.832 for retest session. Cronbach's α was more than 0.600 for all PODCISR domains except for Domain II and for Domain IV. The observed Test−Retest ICC for all PODCISR domains scores ranged from 0.899 to 0.996. Conclusion: The Serbian version of PODCI (PODCISR) was successfully translated and transculturally adopted. It has satisfactory temporal stability, construct validity and test−retest reliability as well as relevant internal consistency.


Subject(s)
Neonatal Brachial Plexus Palsy , Adolescent , Child , Child, Preschool , Humans , Psychometrics , Reproducibility of Results , Serbia , Surveys and Questionnaires , Translating
3.
Unfallchirurg ; 121(2): 126-133, 2018 Feb.
Article in German | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-29064032

ABSTRACT

In contrast to shoulder dislocations in younger patients, anterior shoulder dislocation in the elderly is often associated with concomitant injuries to the rotator cuff and fractures. There is also frequent involvement of the brachial plexus or peripheral nerves. After closed reduction and a short period of immobilization, physiotherapy should be performed to restore mobility and strength. The evaluation of the rotator cuff is essential for further treatment decisions. The majority of patients are classically treated conservatively. Elderly patients with accompanying rotator cuff lesions and failed conservative therapy can benefit from a surgical intervention. Reconstructive interventions of the rotator cuff should be principally considered; however, some individuals may benefit from a reverse prosthesis in this elderly subgroup of patients. The challenge for the treating surgeon is to exactly define the structural injury of the shoulder (which may include pre-existing lesions) and to select the optimal treatment option.


Subject(s)
Shoulder Dislocation/surgery , Aged , Brachial Plexus/injuries , Comorbidity , Fracture Fixation , Humans , Physical Therapy Modalities , Postoperative Care , Rotator Cuff Injuries/diagnosis , Rotator Cuff Injuries/surgery , Shoulder Dislocation/diagnosis , Shoulder Fractures/diagnosis , Shoulder Fractures/surgery , Shoulder Prosthesis
4.
Unfallchirurg ; 121(5): 419-422, 2018 May.
Article in German | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-29500507

ABSTRACT

After traumatic anterior shoulder dislocation and self-reduction, the patient initially showed an inconspicuous clinical course. At the time of presentation in the emergency room the upper limb neurological status was reported to be normal. After discharge, paresis of the brachial plexus of the left arm occurred within 8 h. A subsequently performed computed tomography (CT) scan revealed a hematoma close to the brachial plexus, which was treated by surgical decompression and resulted in symptom relief. This case report describes a rare but significant complication after anterior shoulder dislocation, which should not be underestimated in the setting of a surgical emergency admission.


Subject(s)
Brachial Plexus , Paresis , Shoulder Dislocation , Brachial Plexus/injuries , Hematoma , Humans , Paresis/etiology , Shoulder , Shoulder Dislocation/complications
5.
Neurol Neurochir Pol ; 51(5): 366-371, 2017.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-28711374

ABSTRACT

Most of the cases of obstetric brachial plexus lesions (OBPL) show satisfactory improvement with conservative management, but in about 25% some surgical treatment is indicated. The present paper analyzes the effects of primary reconstructive surgeries in aspect of achieving delineated intraoperatively goals. Children operated before the age of 18 months with follow-up period longer than 1 year were selected. Therapeutic goals established during the operation were identified by analysis of initial clinical status and operative protocols. The elementary movement components in shoulder and elbow joints were classified by assessing range of motion, score in Active Movement Scale and modified British Medical Research Council scale of muscle strength. The effect was considered satisfactory when some antigravity movement was possible, and good when strength exceeded M3 or antigravity movement exceeded half of range of passive movement. In 13 of 19 patients most of established goals were achieved at good level, in 2 at satisfactory level. Remaining 4 patients showed improvement only in some aspects of extremity function. In 2 patients improvement in some movements was accompanied by worsening of other movements. The analysis of results separated into individual components of movements showed that goals were achieved in most of the cases, simultaneously clearly indicating which damaged structures failed to provide satisfactory function despite being addressed intraoperatively. The good results were obtained mainly by regeneration through grafts implanted after resection of neuroma in continuity, which proves that this technique is safe in spite of unavoidable temporary regression of function postoperatively.


Subject(s)
Brachial Plexus Neuropathies/surgery , Paralysis, Obstetric/surgery , Plastic Surgery Procedures/methods , Recovery of Function , Elbow Joint/physiopathology , Female , Humans , Infant , Male , Muscle Strength , Range of Motion, Articular , Shoulder Joint/physiopathology , Treatment Outcome
6.
J Hand Surg Eur Vol ; 49(6): 721-733, 2024 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38296247

ABSTRACT

Distal nerve transfer is a refined surgical technique involving the redirection of healthy sacrificable nerves from one part of the body to reinstate function in another area afflicted by paralysis or injury. This approach is particularly valuable when the original nerves are extensively damaged and standard repair methods, such as direct suturing or grafting, may be insufficient. As the nerve coaptation is close to the recipient muscles or skin, distal nerve transfers reduce the time to reinnervation. The harvesting of nerves for transfer should usually result in minimal or no donor morbidity, as any anticipated loss of function is compensated for by adjacent muscles or overlapping cutaneous territory. Recent years have witnessed notable progress in nerve transfer procedures, markedly enhancing the outcomes of upper limb reconstruction for conditions encompassing peripheral nerve, brachial plexus and spinal cord injuries.


Subject(s)
Nerve Transfer , Peripheral Nerve Injuries , Humans , Nerve Transfer/methods , Peripheral Nerve Injuries/surgery , Brachial Plexus/injuries , Brachial Plexus/surgery , Upper Extremity/innervation , Upper Extremity/surgery , Upper Extremity/injuries
7.
Front Neurosci ; 17: 1221777, 2023.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37609451

ABSTRACT

Background: Interactions between the somatosensory and motor cortices are of fundamental importance for motor control. Although physically distant, face and hand representations are side by side in the sensorimotor cortex and interact functionally. Traumatic brachial plexus injury (TBPI) interferes with upper limb sensorimotor function, causes bilateral cortical reorganization, and is associated with chronic pain. Thus, TBPI may affect sensorimotor interactions between face and hand representations. Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate changes in hand-hand and face-hand sensorimotor integration in TBPI patients using an afferent inhibition (AI) paradigm. Method: The experimental design consisted of electrical stimulation (ES) applied to the hand or face followed by transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to the primary motor cortex to activate a hand muscle representation. In the AI paradigm, the motor evoked potential (MEP) in a target muscle is significantly reduced when preceded by an ES at short-latency (SAI) or long-latency (LAI) interstimulus intervals. We tested 18 healthy adults (control group, CG), evaluated on the dominant upper limb, and nine TBPI patients, evaluated on the injured or the uninjured limb. A detailed clinical evaluation complemented the physiological investigation. Results: Although hand-hand SAI was present in both the CG and the TBPI groups, hand-hand LAI was present in the CG only. Moreover, less AI was observed in TBPI patients than the CG both for face-hand SAI and LAI. Conclusion: Our results indicate that sensorimotor integration involving both hand and face sensorimotor representations is affected by TBPI.

8.
Orthop Traumatol Surg Res ; 109(5): 103360, 2023 09.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35792322

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: A flail limb can be the result of a traumatic complete brachial plexus lesion. Some patients prefer retaining the flail limb, however some patients feel that a flail limb negatively affects daily life. In these circumstances an elective amputation is sometimes elected, however long-term follow-up, with respect to satisfaction and function is unknown. The aim of this study is to evaluate the long-term outcome of this rare and life changing operation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 8 patients with a transhumeral amputation performed in 2 specialized medical centers were included. Postoperatively, the functional- and psychological outcome and the quality of life were evaluated with standardized patient reported outcome measures (PROMs; DASH, SIP-68, EQ-5D-5L and HADS). RESULTS: After a median of 9.4 (range 7.5 - 12.8) years follow-up, 7 patients (88%) stated that they would undergo the operation again and were satisfied with the results. At latest follow-up the median DASH score was 37.3 (range 8.3-61.7), the median SIP-68 score was 6.5 (range 0-43) and the median HADS score was 3.0 (range 0-14) for anxiety and 3.0 (range 1-19) for depression. In the EQ-5D-5L patients had most difficulties in self-care, usual activities and pain/discomfort. The median overall health status was 69 (range 20-95). DISCUSSION: With the right indication a transhumeral amputation is a reasonable option for traumatic complete brachial plexus lesion with satisfying long-term results. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV, multicenter case series.


Subject(s)
Brachial Plexus , Peripheral Nervous System Diseases , Humans , Quality of Life , Brachial Plexus/surgery , Amputation, Surgical , Outcome Assessment, Health Care
9.
Hand Surg Rehabil ; 41S: S39-S43, 2022 02.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34407484

ABSTRACT

The lack of active external rotation following a brachial plexus injury in adults is very disabling and very challenging to solve. If direct nerve surgery or nerve transfer fails or if the patient is seen too late, palliative surgery is the last resort. Shoulder fusion can stabilize the joint to increase strength at the elbow, but the patient loses all external rotation. A metaphyseal humeral osteotomy shifts the sector of mobility to push out the arm from the chest but does not restore any active external rotation. Latissimus dorsi and teres major transfers are not indicated in traumatic brachial plexus injuries. Lower trapezius (inferior fibers of the trapezius) transfer detached from the medial angle of the scapula and fixed to the infraspinatus tendon is the main option in paralyzed shoulders. It can restore 90° external rotation on average. This tendon transfer is an agonist, with the same direction but with less excursion and strength. If this muscle is paralyzed (nerve lesion), one can harvest and transfer the contralateral lower trapezius instead. The goals of this paper are to describe the surgical technique for these two tendons transfer, their indications and results.


Subject(s)
Brachial Plexus Neuropathies , Brachial Plexus , Superficial Back Muscles , Adult , Brachial Plexus/injuries , Brachial Plexus/surgery , Brachial Plexus Neuropathies/surgery , Humans , Range of Motion, Articular/physiology , Shoulder , Superficial Back Muscles/surgery
10.
Injury ; 51(12): 2904-2909, 2020 Dec.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32201119

ABSTRACT

Closed brachial plexus lesions (BPLs) are generally associated with a traumatic mechanism of forced traction between the neck and the shoulder-arm complex. For brachial plexus reconstruction different techniques have been proposed with donor motor nerves like intercostal nerves, or the ipsilateral cervical plexus, the phrenic nerve, the contralateral C7 root, and many others. Despite all these surgical possibilities, the overall recovery is generally poor and not satisfactory. The principal drawback is linked to the loss of upper limb proprioception, in a way that dramatically influences even a good motor recovery, so in complete BPLs the sensory loss still represents a debilitating problem. In this anatomical feasibility study, the possibility to transfer the peroneal component of the sciatic nerve as a donor for complete BPLs has been evaluated. This technique would conceptually bring an important motor and sensory contribution to the upper limb using pure motor and sensory branches of the sciatic nerve. Performing immediate tendon transfer for foot drop palsy could significantly decrease the morbidity of the surgical procedure.


Subject(s)
Brachial Plexus Neuropathies , Brachial Plexus , Nerve Transfer , Brachial Plexus/surgery , Brachial Plexus Neuropathies/surgery , Feasibility Studies , Humans , Sciatic Nerve
11.
North Clin Istanb ; 6(1): 1-6, 2019.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-31180384

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to examine how much recovery upper obstetric brachial plexus palsy (OBPP) patients showed with exercises when they were 3, 6, and 12 months old and to evaluate whether the exercise treatment given at different frequencies contributes to this recovery or not. METHODS: This study was designed as a randomized controlled trial. Sixty cases who were referred to Pediatric Rehabilitation and Pediatric Orthopedic Clinics with the diagnosis of having Groups I and II OBPP according to Narakas classification were included in the study. Subjects were randomly divided into two treatment groups. The first group had intense exercise program 3 times daily, and the second group had a standard exercise program once in a day. The subjects were assessed using a passive-active range of motion (ROM) and hospital for sick children muscle grading system at their first clinic visit and every month after until they became 12 months old. RESULTS: In both groups, a significant recovery was observed in ROM and muscle strength of all movements of the shoulder, elbow flexion, and forearm supination at the 3rd, 6th, and 12th-month reassessments, whereas a significant difference was not achieved on both parameters between two groups. CONCLUSION: According to the results, exercise frequency did not affect the recovery rate and results in the cases with OBPP and exercises were influential against possible complications that may occur.

12.
J Child Orthop ; 12(5): 544-549, 2018 Oct 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30294381

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: As in other neuromuscular disorders, both denervation and muscle paresis/imbalance are implicated as aetiological factors for contractures in children with a Brachial Plexus Birth Injury (BPBI). Although both factors are related, it is unclear which factor is dominant. The aim of this study is to assess whether contracture formation in children is predominantly related to denervation or to residual muscle function/imbalance. This might be relevant for understanding contracture formation in other neuromuscular disorders. METHODS: A total of 100 children (61 boys; mean age 10.4 years, 4 to 18) with unilateral BPBI were included in this cross-sectional study. Severity of the denervation was classified according to Narakas. Muscle function of flexors and extensors of both elbows was measured (in Newtons) using a hand-held dynamometer and flexion contractures were measured with a goniometer. The relation between denervation, muscle function/muscle balance and flexion contracture was assessed using univariate and multivariate analysis. RESULTS: Of the children, 57 were Narakas class I, 13 class II and 30 class III. Mean flexion contracture was 25° (90° to -5°). At the affected side the forearm flexion force was 47% and extension force was 67% of the force of the unaffected side. Contractures were more severe in children with higher Narakas classifications (p = 0.001), after neurosurgery (Mann-Whitney U test, p = 0.009) and were related to age (Spearman's Rho = -0.3, p = 0.008) and to paresis of the extensors (Rho = 0.4, p = 0.000). Flexor paresis as a percentage of unaffected side (Rho = 0.06, p = 0.6) and muscle balance had no influence. CONCLUSION: In BPBI, elbow contractures are related to the severity of the neurological lesion, not to residual muscle function. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II - prognostic study.

13.
Neurosci Res ; 123: 19-26, 2017 Oct.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-28479130

ABSTRACT

Neonatal Brachial Plexus Palsy (NBPP) may lead to permanent impairment of arm function. As NBPP occurs when central motor programs develop, these may be ill-formed. We studied elbow flexion and motor imagery with fMRI to search for abnormal motor programming. We compared the cortical activity of adults with conservatively treated NBPP to that of healthy individuals stratified for hand dominance, using fMRI BOLD tasks of elbow flexion and motor imagery of flexion. Additionally, resting-state networks and regional gray matter volume were studied. Sixteen adult NBPP patients (seven men; median age 29 years) and sixteen healthy subjects (seven men, median age 27 years) participated. Cortical activation was significantly higher in patients during flexion imagery compared to healthy individuals and it increased with lesion extent and muscle weakness. The contralateral and ipsilateral premotor cortex, and the contralateral motor cortex showed stronger activity during imagined flexion in the right-handed NBPP subjects compared to healthy individuals. Activity patterns during actual flexion did not differ between groups. No differences in resting-state network connectivity or gray matter amount were found between the groups. NBPP affected imagined but not actual elbow flexion, suggesting an impairment of motor planning which would indicate abnormal motor programming in NBPP.


Subject(s)
Birth Injuries/complications , Brachial Plexus Neuropathies , Cerebral Cortex/physiopathology , Imagery, Psychotherapy/methods , Psychomotor Performance/physiology , Adult , Brachial Plexus Neuropathies/etiology , Brachial Plexus Neuropathies/physiopathology , Brachial Plexus Neuropathies/rehabilitation , Cerebral Cortex/diagnostic imaging , Electromyography , Female , Gray Matter/diagnostic imaging , Humans , Image Processing, Computer-Assisted , Magnetic Resonance Imaging , Male , Middle Aged , Oxygen/blood , Range of Motion, Articular/physiology , Young Adult
14.
Bone Joint J ; 99-B(2): 255-260, 2017 Feb.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-28148670

ABSTRACT

AIMS: To analyse the influence of upper extremity trauma on the long-term outcome of polytraumatised patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 629 multiply injured patients were included in a follow-up study at least ten years after injury (mean age 26.5 years, standard deviation 12.4). The extent of the patients' injury was classified using the Injury Severity Score. Outcome was measured using the Hannover Score for Polytrauma Outcome (HASPOC), Short Form (SF)-12, rehabilitation duration, and employment status. Outcomes for patients with and without a fracture of the upper extremity were compared and analysed with regard to specific fracture regions and any additional brachial plexus lesion. RESULTS: In all, 307 multiply-injured patients with and 322 without upper extremity injuries were included in the study. The groups with and without upper limb injuries were similar with respect to demographic data and injury pattern, except for midface trauma. There were no significant differences in the long-term outcome. In patients with brachial plexus lesions there were significantly more who were unemployed, required greater retraining and a worse HASPOC. CONCLUSION: Injuries to the upper extremities seem to have limited effect on long-term outcome in patients with polytrauma, as long as no injury was caused to the brachial plexus. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2017;99-B:255-60.


Subject(s)
Arm Injuries/rehabilitation , Brachial Plexus Neuropathies/rehabilitation , Brachial Plexus/injuries , Fractures, Bone/rehabilitation , Multiple Trauma/rehabilitation , Shoulder Injuries/rehabilitation , Upper Extremity/injuries , Adolescent , Adult , Brachial Plexus Neuropathies/etiology , Child , Child, Preschool , Cohort Studies , Female , Follow-Up Studies , Humans , Injury Severity Score , Male , Middle Aged , Multiple Trauma/therapy , Social Conditions , Time Factors , Treatment Outcome , Young Adult
15.
J Biomech ; 63: 192-196, 2017 10 03.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-28844723

ABSTRACT

We suggest short range stiffness (SRS) at the elbow joint as an alternative diagnostic for EMG to assess cocontraction. Elbow SRS is compared between obstetric brachial plexus lesion (OBPL) patients and healthy subjects (cross-sectional study design). Seven controls (median 28years) and five patients (median 31years) isometrically flexed and extended the elbow at rest and three additional torques [2.1,4.3,6.4Nm] while a fast stretch stimulus was applied. SRS was estimated in silico using a neuromechanical elbow model simulating the torque response from the imposed elbow angle. SRS was higher in patients (250±36Nm/rad) than in controls (150±21Nm/rad, p=0.014), except for the rest condition. Higher elbow SRS suggested greater cocontraction in patients compared to controls. SRS is a promising mechanical alternative to assess cocontraction, which is a frequently encountered clinical problem in OBPL due to axonal misrouting.


Subject(s)
Brachial Plexus Neuropathies/physiopathology , Brachial Plexus/injuries , Adult , Case-Control Studies , Cross-Sectional Studies , Elbow/physiopathology , Elbow Joint/physiopathology , Female , Healthy Volunteers , Humans , Male , Muscle Contraction , Muscle, Skeletal/innervation , Muscle, Skeletal/physiopathology , Pregnancy , Range of Motion, Articular/physiology
16.
J Brachial Plex Peripher Nerve Inj ; 10(1): e23-e29, 2015 Dec.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-27917235

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Little is known about the relation between residual muscle strength and joint contracture formation in neuromuscular disorders. This study aimed to investigate the relation between residual muscle strength and shoulder joint contractures in children with sequelae of obstetric brachial plexus lesion (OBPL). In OBPL a shoulder joint contracture is a frequent finding. We hypothesize that residual internal and external rotator strength and their balance are related to the extent of shoulder joint contracture. METHODS: Clinical assessment was performed in 34 children (mean 10.0 years) with unilateral OBPL and Narakas classes I-III. External and internal rotation strengths were measured with the shoulder in neutral position using a handheld dynamometer. Strength on the affected side was given as percentage of the normal side. Contracture was assessed by passive internal and external rotations in degrees (in 0° abduction). Mallet classification was used for active shoulder function. RESULTS: External and internal rotation strengths on the affected side were approximately 50% of the normal side and on average both equally affected: 56% (SD 18%) respectively 51% (SD 27%); r = 0.600, p = 0.000. Residual strengths were not related to passive internal or external rotation (p > 0.200). Internal rotation strength (r = - 0.425, p <0.05) was related to Narakas class. Mallet score was related to external and internal rotation strengths (r = 0.451 and r = 0.515, respectively; p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: The intuitive notion that imbalances in residual muscle strength influence contracture formation cannot be confirmed in this study. Our results are of interest for the understanding of contracture formation in OBPL.

17.
Disabil Rehabil ; 37(16): 1455-61, 2015.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-25332088

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To study the influence of obstetric brachial plexus lesion (OBPL) on arm-hand function and daily functioning in adults, and to investigate the relationship of arm-hand function and pain to daily functioning. METHOD: Adults with unilateral OBPL who consulted the brachial plexus team at the VU University Medical Center in the past were invited to participate. Daily functioning was measured with the Disability of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaire and the SF36, pain with VAS Pain Scales and arm-hand function with the Nine Hole Peg Test (9-HP-test) and the Action Research Arm Test (ARAT). Scores of the affected arm were compared to those of the non-affected arm or norm values for healthy controls. RESULTS: Twenty-seven persons (mean age 22, SD 4.2 years), of whom 10 men, participated. The ARAT and 9-HP-test scores for the affected arm were significantly worse than those for the non-affected arm. Moderate to severe pain in the affected arm, the non-affected arm or the back was reported by 50% of the participants. The DASH general, sports/music and SF36 physical functioning scores were significantly worse than norm values. The ARAT/9-HP-test and daily functioning showed little association. Low to moderate associations were found between pain and daily functioning. CONCLUSIONS: Many young adults with OBPL experience limitations in daily functioning. Pain, rather than arm-hand function, seems to explain these limitations. Implications for Rehabilitation Obstetric brachial plexus lesion (OBPL) is caused by traction to the brachial plexus during labour, resulting in denervation of the muscles of the arm and shoulder girdle. Adults with OBPL are hardly seen in rehabilitation medicine. This study shows that many young adults with OBPL experience limitations in daily functioning. Pain, rather than arm-hand function, seems to explain these limitations. Fifty percent of the participants complained about moderate or severe pain, which was located in the affected arm, the back and the non-affected arm. There seems an age-related increase in pain prevalence. Persons who had undergone plexus surgery had a significantly worse arm-hand function, but comparable scores on daily functioning scales compared to persons without plexus surgery. When limitations in daily functioning or pain occur, referral to a rehabilitation physician is indicated.


Subject(s)
Brachial Plexus Neuropathies/rehabilitation , Obstetric Labor Complications/rehabilitation , Upper Extremity/physiopathology , Activities of Daily Living , Adolescent , Adult , Female , Humans , Male , Netherlands , Pain Measurement , Pregnancy , Self Report , Tertiary Care Centers , Young Adult
18.
J Hand Surg Eur Vol ; 39(6): 647-52, 2014 Jul.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-23940103

ABSTRACT

In obstetric brachial plexus lesions with avulsion injury, nerve grafting for biceps muscle re-innervation may not be possible owing to the unavailability of a proximal stump. In such cases, the intercostal nerves or medial pectoral nerve can serve as donor nerves in an end-to-end transfer to the musculocutaneous nerve. The present study reports the results of both techniques from a single institution in a consecutive series of 42 patients between 1995 and 2008. From 1995 to 2000 we always used the intercostal nerve transfer, and from 2001 to 2008 both techniques were used. Biceps muscle force ≥ Medical Research Council Grade 3 was achieved in 37 of 42 patients after a mean follow-up of 44 months. There was no statistical difference in the results in the medial pectoral nerve transfer group (n = 25) and the intercostal nerve transfer group (n = 17).


Subject(s)
Birth Injuries/surgery , Brachial Plexus Neuropathies/surgery , Musculocutaneous Nerve/surgery , Nerve Transfer , Arm/innervation , Brachial Plexus/injuries , Humans , Infant , Intercostal Nerves/transplantation , Recovery of Function , Retrospective Studies , Thoracic Nerves/transplantation
19.
ACM arq. catarin. med ; 39(4)out.-dez. 2010. ilus
Article in Portuguese | LILACS | ID: lil-664892

ABSTRACT

Paralisia obstétrica é uma lesão do plexo braquial ao nascimento. Em nosso meio, sua prevalência não é conhecida, mas as disfunções do membro comprometido são muitas vezes frequentes e duradouras. Distócia de ombro é definida como a necessidade de manobras para o desprendimento dos ombros, ou um intervalo maior que 60 segundos entre a saída da cabeça e a dos ombros, estando relacionada a 50% doscasos de lesão do plexo braquial. A maioria dos casos ocorre na ausência de fatores de risco. As manobras de assistência ao parto com distócia de ombro devem ser treinadas e memorizadas. A abordagem da lesão braquial deve ser multidisciplinar. Fisioterapia, reconstrução microcirúrgica do plexo, correção de deformidades articulares secundárias e transposições musculares são empregadas com sucesso. O papel do tratamento conservador e operatório deve ser regularmenterevisado. O objetivo deste trabalho foi realizar uma revisão da literatura sobre a paralisia obstétrica do plexo braquial.


Obstetric palsy is a brachial plexus injury at birth. In our country, its prevalence is unknown, but the dysfunction of the affected limb are frequent and often long lasting. Shoulder dystocia is defined as the need to maneuver to the delivery of the shoulders, or a range greater than 60 seconds between deliveryng the head and shoulders. It is related to 50% of cases of brachial plexus injury. Most cases occur in the absence of risk factors. The maneuvers of assisted childbirth with shoulder dystociashould be trained and stored. The approach of the brachial injury must be multidisciplinary. Physiotherapy, microsurgical reconstruction of the plexus, secondary correction of joint deformities and muscle transpositionsare employed successfully. The role of conservative treatment and surgical procedures should be regularly reviewed. The aim of this study was performed a literature review about obstetrics brachial plexus palsy.

20.
The Korean Journal of Pain ; : 244-247, 2008.
Article in Korean | WPRIM | ID: wpr-111576

ABSTRACT

After a traumatic brachial plexus injury, 80% of patients develop severe pain in the deafferentated arm. This type of pain is considered very resistant to many forms of therapy. When we plan treatments for the patient who suffer from a pain from traumatic brachial plexus injury, clarifying the location of injured nerve is very important. EMG (electromyography), NCV (nerve conduction study), MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) and CT (computed tomography) myelography are recommended diagnostic method for this purpose. Here, we presented a patient who was suspected to have both preganglionic and postganglionic brachial plexus lesion by EMG and NCV study, he showed favorable response after spinal cord stimulation.


Subject(s)
Humans , Arm , Brachial Plexus , Myelography , Spinal Cord , Spinal Cord Stimulation
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