Early Elbow Flexion Contracture Predicts Shoulder Contracture in Infants with Brachial Plexus Birth Injury.

OBJECTIVE: To determine if children who present with an elbow flexion contracture (EFC) from brachial plexus birth injury (BPBI) are more likely to develop shoulder contracture and undergo surgical treatment. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective review of children <2 years of age with BPBI who presented to a single children's hospital from 1993 to 2020. Age, elbow and shoulder range of motion (ROM), imaging measurements, and surgical treatment and outcome were analyzed. Patients with an EFC of ≥10° were included in the study sample. Data from 2445 clinical evaluations (1190 patients) were assessed. The final study cohort included 72 EFC cases matched with 230 non-EFC controls. Three patients lacked sufficient follow-up data. RESULTS: There were 299 included patients who showed no differences between study and control groups with respect to age, sex, race, ethnicity, or functional score. Patients with EFC had 12° less shoulder range of motion (95% CI, 5°-20°; P < .001) and had 2.5 times the odds of shoulder contracture (OR, 2.5; 95% CI, 1.3-4.7; P = .006). For each additional 5° of EFC, the odds of shoulder contracture increased by 50% (OR, 1.5; 95% CI, 1.2-1.8; P < .001) and odds of shoulder procedure increased by 62% (OR, 1.62; 95% CI, 1.04-2.53; P = .03). Sensitivity of EFC for predicting shoulder contracture was 49% and specificity was 82%. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with BPBI <2 years of age, presence of EFC can be used as a screening tool in identifying shoulder contractures that may otherwise be difficult to assess. Prompt referral should be arranged for evaluation at a BPBI specialty clinic, because delayed presentation risks worsening shoulder contracture and potentially more complicated surgery.

Early Predictors of Microsurgical Reconstruction in Brachial Plexus Birth Palsy.

Background: Microsurgical reconstruction is indicated for infants with brachial plexus birth palsy (BPBP) that demonstrate limited spontaneous neurological recovery. This investigation defines the demographic, perinatal, and physical examination characteristics leading to microsurgical reconstruction. Methods: Infants enrolled in a prospective multicenter investigation of BPBP were evaluated. Microsurgery was performed at the discretion of the treating provider/center. Inclusion required enrollment prior to six months of age and follow-up evaluation beyond twelve months of age. Demographic, perinatal, and examination characteristics were investigated as possible predictors of microsurgical reconstruction. Toronto Test scores and Hospital for Sick Children Active Movement Scale (AMS) scores were used if obtained prior to three months of age. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed. Results: 365 patients from six regional medical centers met the inclusion criteria. 127 of 365 (35%) underwent microsurgery at a median age of 5.4 months, with microsurgery rates and timing varying significantly by site. Univariate analysis demonstrated that several factors were associated with microsurgery including race, gestational diabetes, neonatal asphyxia, neonatal intensive care unit admission, Horner's syndrome, Toronto Test score, and AMS scores for finger/thumb/wrist flexion, finger/thumb extension, wrist extension, elbow flexion, and elbow extension. In multivariate analysis, four factors independently predicted microsurgical intervention including Horner's syndrome, mean AMS score for finger/thumb/ wrist flexion <4.5, AMS score for wrist extension <4.5, and AMS score for elbow flexion <4.5. In this cohort, microsurgical rates increased as the number of these four factors present increased from zero to four: 0/4 factors = 0%, 1/4 factors = 22%, 2/4 factors = 43%, 3/4 factors = 76%, and 4/4 factors = 93%. Conclusions: In patients with BPBP, early physical examination findings independently predict microsurgical intervention. These factors can be used to provide counseling in early infancy for families regarding injury severity and plan for potential microsurgical intervention.Level of Evidence: Prognostic Level I.

Preoperative Computer Simulation and Patient-specific Guides are Safe and Effective to Correct Forearm Deformity in Children.

BACKGROUND: Posttraumatic and congenital forearm deformities in children can be difficult to appreciate in all planes. In cases of distal radioulnar joint instability and loss of forearm rotation, surgical correction is challenging. Advances in 3-dimensional printing allow creation of custom guides at a reasonable cost, enabling precise correction of the deformity in all planes. METHODS: Nineteen children with deformity of the forearm had corrective osteotomies performed using preoperative 3-dimensional computer modeling and patient-specific surgical guides. Surgicase software was used for 3-dimensional planning of the corrective osteotomy, by superimposing a mirror image of the unaffected side as a template. Based upon this planning, patient-specific surgical guides were manufactured. Radiographic and clinical outcomes were assessed. RESULTS: Three patients had a diagnosis of multiple hereditary exostoses, and one of Madelung's deformity. The remaining 15 patients had a diagnosis of fracture malunion. Average preoperative angulation of both the radius and ulna was 23 degrees. For the patients with fracture malunions, the time from injury to surgery ranged from 6 months to 8 years. Twelve patients underwent osteotomies of both the radius and ulna, 5 had osteotomies of the radius alone, and 2 had a single osteotomy of the ulna only. All osteotomies went on to unite and no patient lost range of motion. Preoperative arc of forearm rotation averaged 101 degrees (range 0 to 180 degrees). Postoperatively, this improved to 133 degrees (range 85 to 180 degrees). Eight patients had distal radioulnar instability preoperatively, all of which normalized after surgery. There were 4 complications: 1 hypertrophic scar, 1 subject with extensor pollicis longus weakness, and 2 transient sensory losses in the superficial radial nerve distribution. CONCLUSIONS: This case series demonstrates that 3-dimensional computer modeling permits complex and multiple osteotomies to be done safely to achieve deformity correction in children. Limitations in forearm rotation and distal radioulnar malalignment can be reliably improved using this technique. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV-retrospective case series.