Treatment of obstetrical brachial plexus palsy sequelae: Preliminary results about 18 cases

BACKGROUND: Severe obstetrical injuries of the brachial plexus lead to a complete or incomplete paralysis resulting in a significant functional handicap of the limb. This study aimed to assess the preliminary results of our management. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective study involved 18 patients, with an average age of 7.7 years. The choice of the surgical technique depended on the type of palsy. We evaluated our patients using the Mallet, Gilbert-Raimondi, Brachial plexus World Group Heerlen, and Raimondi scores. RESULTS: Patients in groups I and II of Narakas had an anterior shoulder release (n = 2) and transfer of the latissimus dorsi (n = 8). For those in group III, we performed 5 biceps rerouting and 2 radius derotation osteotomies, one of which was associated with a Zancolli I and an arthrodesis of the thumb MCP joint. In the wrist and hand, we performed two tendon transfers from the flexor carpi ulnaris to the extensor tendons of the fingers. After a mean follow-up of 30.52 months, in the first 9 patients, active external rotation of the shoulder increased from a mean value of −22.5°–38.8° and mean active abduction from 78.3° to 141.1°. In Group III, the mean spontaneous supination position of 75.5° was improved to 45° pronation. Regarding the two patients with tendon transfers, active wrist extension increased from 0° to 45° and from −60° to 0°, respectively. CONCLUSION: Palliative surgery in the treatment obstetrical brachial plexus palsy sequelae retains an important place in the restoration of upper limb function.