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Brachial Plexus Palsy (Perinatal), Pediatric

Luis H. Quiroga, MD and Richard J. Redett, MD Reviewed 10/2018
 


BASICS

DESCRIPTION

  • The brachial plexus contains sensory and motor nerves to the upper extremities, stemming from the cervical and thoracic spine (commonly C5–T1 roots).

  • The brachial plexus contains a co...

DIAGNOSIS

HISTORY

  • In neonates: obstetric history including birth weight, use of assistive devices, multiparity, perinatal difficulties, previous difficult deliveries, and so forth

  • Despite a prominent as...

TREATMENT

  • Therapy is paramount in managing symptoms of plexopathy.

  • Goals include comfort, optimizing recovery, and assessing improvement.

  • Stretching exercises, splints to prevent contracture, joint tapi...

ONGOING CARE

PROGNOSIS

~75–85% of all patients regain very good to full strength and function, with 1/2 doing so rapidly (the mild group) and 1/2 more slowly (the moderate group). 

ADDITIONAL READING

  • Borschel GH, Clarke HM. Obstetrical brachial plexus palsy. Plast Reconstr Surg.  2009;124(Suppl 1):144e–155e. [View Abstract on OvidInsights]

  • Chuang DC, Ma HS, Wei FC. A new eva...

CODES

ICD9

767.6 Injury to brachial plexus due to birth trauma 

ICD10

P14.3 Other brachial plexus birth injuries 

SNOMED

  • 206226005 brachial plexus palsy due to birth trauma (disorder)

  • 81774005 Klumpke-Déjer...

FAQ

  • Q: My baby was diagnosed with a brachial plexus injury. What are the odds she will recover completely?

  • A: Most (roughly 80%) children recover completely. Stretched and inflamed nerves should recove...

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