Management of Brachial Plexus Birth Injuries at British Columbia Children's Hospital.

A multidisciplinary team at BC Children's Hospital provides brachial plexus birth injury management for our provincial catchment area. Although compared with many centers we service a relatively small clinic population, we have the benefit of universal health care, province-wide reach, and accessible research infrastructure. In 2008, we created the Sup-ER protocol, which includes an orthosis that passively positions the neonatal shoulder into more idealized glenohumeral contact during early growth. We have since shown that our Sup-ER patients have better shoulder outcomes, require less brachial plexus surgery, and need fewer shoulder tendon transfers than those patients treated in our clinic prior to 2008. We have also found that the rate and degree of elbow flexion contractures are reduced compared with results reported in the literature.

How Institution of the Sup-ER Protocol in a Clinic Changed Procedure Patterns in Upper Brachial Plexus (Erb's Type) Birth Injuries.

BACKGROUND: For children with upper brachial plexus birth injury (BPBI; C5, C6, ±C7 roots), most clinics first recommend nonsurgical treatment followed by primary and/or secondary surgical interventions in selected patients. Since 2008, we have used an infant shoulder repositioning protocol (supination-external rotation [Sup-ER]) designed to prevent shoulder internal rotation contracture and its potential effects on the shoulder joint. This study characterizes our clinic's current choice, number, and timing of primary and secondary procedural interventions (including Botox) and compares Sup-ER protocol patients with those of our historical controls. METHODS: The records of all patients with upper BPBI who underwent procedures from 2001 to 2018 were retrospectively reviewed and grouped into a historical (2001-2007, n = 20) and recent (2008-2018, n = 23) cohort. Patient demographics, procedure types and timing, and functional outcomes were collected and analyzed. RESULTS: Since the 2008 institution of the Sup-ER protocol, fewer brachial plexus exploration and grafting (BPEG) surgeries were performed and none in later infancy, where nerve transfers were preferred. There were more and earlier Botox injections. There were fewer tendon transfers, and the preoperative indications were from a higher level of function. CONCLUSIONS: We now see fewer indications for BPEG surgeries overall. After the 3-month-age group, more direct nerve transfers are indicated instead of the BPEG surgery if nerve surgery is required at all. Shoulder tendon transfer rates have decreased. Humeral osteotomies are not seen in our recent group. Glenoid osteotomies within tendon transfers are rare in both groups.

Can the Sup-ER Protocol Decrease the Prevalence and Severity of Elbow Flexion Deformity in Brachial Plexus Birth Injuries?

BACKGROUND: Brachial plexus birth injuries (BPBIs) can often result in functional and cosmetic deficits including, according to a recent scoping review, elbow flexion contractures in up to 48%. A treatment algorithm that includes a custom long-arm orthosis to optimize early glenohumeral joint positioning (Sup-ER protocol) has been shown to improve shoulder range of motion. Although the protocol was not intentionally designed to affect the elbow, this study investigates the prevalence and severity of elbow flexion contractures in children treated with that protocol. METHODS: This prospective cross-sectional cohort study examined 16 children aged 4 and older with BPBI severe enough to be treated with the Sup-ER protocol. Passive and active elbow flexion and extension range of motion (ROM) were assessed in both arms. Elbow flexion contractures were defined as > 5o from neutral. RESULTS: Within the cohort of 16 patients (mean age: 7.0 years, range: 4.5-11.6 years), the mean maximal passive elbow extension was -6.2° in the affected arm and + 5.1° (hyperextension) in the unaffected arm. Zero patients had a severe elbow flexion contracture (>30o) and only 6/16 met the lowest threshold definition of elbow flexion contracture (>5o), with a mean onset at 22 months of age. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests an unintended decreased prevalence and severity of elbow flexion contractures in children with more severe BPBI treated with the Sup-ER protocol, relative to published values.

Shoulder Rotation Function Following the Sup-ER Protocol in Children with Brachial Plexus Injuries.

Background: Our group previously developed an upper extremity repositioning (Sup-ER) protocol for brachial plexus birth injuries (BPBIs) that may improve supination and external rotation (ER) at 2 years of age. Questions were raised about the potential for the protocol to cause internal rotation (IR) deficits. The goal of this study was to explore the longer-term outcomes of the Sup-ER protocol and investigate IR/ER function. Methods: This prospective cross-sectional cohort study examined 16 children older than 4 years of age with significant enough BPBI to be treated with the Sup-ER protocol. Total shoulder and elbow function were assessed, including passive and active ranges of motion and strength of IR and ER. Results: Range of motion (ROM) for most active movements was decreased in the affected compared to unaffected arm. Notably, IR passive ROM was similar in the affected (78.7°) and unaffected arm (82.8°). External rotation strength of the affected arm was weaker (42.8 N) compared to the unaffected arm (57.9 N). IR strength had a greater deficit in the affected (43.2 N) arm compared to the unaffected arm (72.2 N), but both ER and IR showed less deficit than described in the literature. Conclusions: Despite differences in ranges of motion between the affected and unaffected arms, ROMs for the affected arm were comparable to the functional limits as reported in the literature. The Sup-ER protocol shows potential to optimize long-term shoulder rotation function in children with BPBI without compromising IR.

Correction of neonatal auricular deformities with DuoDERM: A simple technique.

Ear moulding in neonates has been shown to successfully correct congenital auricular anomalies. There are several available moulding techniques. However, commercially available moulding devices (e.g., EarWell and Ear Buddy) can be costly, and their alternatives have limited customizability. We present a technique using cost-effective and customizable materials for moulding common anomalies (Stahl's ear, constricted ear, and prominent ear). DuoDERM Extra-thin, Steri-strips, and 3M Kind Removal Silicone tape are used to splint the ear in a preferred position. The DuoDERM is rolled into a putty, placed in the ear, and secured with tapes. This treatment is initiated in the clinic, with weekly splint changes carried out at home by caregivers, and intermittent follow-up appointments. DuoDERM moulding is a safe, inexpensive, highly customizable, and simple way to correct auricular deformities. Primary physicians/paediatricians should embed moulding into their practice, starting treatment as early as possible in the neonatal period.

Parents' experiences of splinting programs for babies with congenital limb anomalies.

PURPOSE: To explore parent experiences with participation in splinting programs for their child with a congenital limb anomaly in the child's first year of life. While parent participation is recognized as integral to successful outcomes of splinting programs for these children, little is known about factors influencing their participation. METHODS: Through purposive sampling, 10 families recruited from outpatient clinics at a pediatric tertiary care facility participated in semi-structured interviews in this qualitative study utilizing interpretive description methodology. Constant comparative and concurrent data collection and analysis were employed. RESULTS: Themes identified: (1) An experience of adjustment; (2) The value of timely and comprehensive information; (3) Appreciation of support networks; and (4) Characteristics unique to splinting programs. Practical suggestions for program enhancements are outlined. CONCLUSIONS: Addressing parents' information, support, and individual needs are keys to promoting active parent participation in their child's splinting program, contributing to positive outcomes for their child.

Sup-ER orthosis: an innovative treatment for infants with birth related brachial plexus injury.

Impairments in active and passive range of upper extremity supination and shoulder external rotation are common sequelae for children with delayed recovery from birth related brachial plexus injury. Orthotic intervention may complement traditional treatment strategies commonly employed in the newborn period. These authors describe their custom fabricated orthosis designed to balance shoulder growth and muscular function, and improve prognosis of long term functional outcomes for children with birth related brachial plexus injury. - Victoria Priganc, PhD, OTR, CHT, CLT, Practice Forum Editor.

An early shoulder repositioning program in birth-related brachial plexus injury: a pilot study of the Sup-ER protocol.

BACKGROUND: Birth-related brachial plexus injury (BRBPI) occurs in 1.2/1,000 births in British Columbia. Even in children with "good" recovery, external rotation (ER) and supination (Sup) are often weaker, and permanent skeletal imbalance ensues. A preventive early infant shoulder passive repositioning program was created using primarily a novel custom splint holding the affected arm in full ER and Sup: the Sup-ER splint. The details of the splint and the shoulder repositioning program evolved with experience over several years. This study reviews the first 4 years. METHODS: A retrospective review of BCCH patients managed with the Sup-ER protocol from 2008 to 2011 compared their recovery scores to matched historical controls selected from our database by two independent reviewers. RESULTS: The protocol was initiated in 18 children during the study period. Six were excluded due to the following: insufficient data points, non-compliance, late splint initiation, and loss to follow-up. Of the 12 matches, the Sup-ER group final score at 2 years was better than controls by 1.18 active movement scale (AMS) points (p = 0.036) in Sup and 0.96 AMS points in ER (but not statistically significant (p = 0.13)). Unexpectedly, but importantly, during the study period, zero subjects were assessed to have the active functional criteria to indicate brachial plexus reconstruction, where previously we operated on 13 %. CONCLUSIONS: Early application of passive shoulder repositioning into Sup and ER may improve outcomes in function of the arm in infants with BRBPI. A North American multi-site randomized control trial has been approved and has started recruitment.

The use of botulinum type A toxin in the treatment of idiopathic clubfoot: 5-year follow-up.

BACKGROUND: Continued monitoring and reporting of outcomes in clubfoot patients are important for providing an indicator of functional outcomes and surveillance and treatment for problems or recurrences. The purpose of this study is to report the 5-year outcomes of the updated cohort of 44 patients with 65 idiopathic clubfeet treated with manipulation, casting, and Botulinum toxin A (BTX-A). METHODS: As part of the original study, the patients underwent the corrective treatment phase of manipulation and casting followed with BTX-A injection and then the maintenance phase of bracing. The patients were seen at regular intervals and a detailed clinical history was maintained for each patient including ankle range of motion, recurrences, and interventions for recurrences. RESULTS: Mean values for range of motion at the 5-year visit were 22.3 and 17.1 degrees for dorsiflexion with the knee in flexion and extension, respectively. Overall, 48% (31 of 65 clubfeet) successfully responded to a single BTX-A injection and experienced no recurrence over the follow-up period. At least 1 repeat BTX-A injection was required in 34 clubfeet, for an overall recurrence rate of 52%. Surgery was required in 10 clubfeet, and the overall surgical rate was 15.4%. CONCLUSIONS: Idiopathic clubfeet treated with BTX-A continued to show good outcomes at 2 to 5-year follow-up. The experience with this cohort provides support for the effectiveness of BTX-A in the initial correction and continued management of idiopathic clubfoot. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Levels III to IV. This is a prospective, nonexperimental clinical study investigating efficacy of an innovative treatment.