Nerve surgery for neonatal brachial plexus palsy

Issue title: Neonatal Brachial Plexus Palsy

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Malessy, Martijn J.A. | Pondaag, Willem

Affiliations: Department of Neurosurgery, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands

Note: [] Corresponding author: Martijn Malessy, MD, PhD., Department of Neurosurgery, Leiden University Medical Center, POB 9600, 2300 RC Leiden, The Netherlands. Tel.: +31 71 5263957; Fax: +31 71 5248221; E-mail: malessy@lumc.nl

Abstract: Neonatal brachial plexus palsies may cause lifelong limitations to function of the upper limb. Early nerve reconstructive surgery may be indicated in selected cases. An overview is given of our current understanding of this type of nerve lesion in the developing child. The neuropathology of the injury is presented to provide a background for the understanding of its natural history, as well as for the rationale and methods for nerve surgical treatment. The assessment of upper limb function and the range of severity of the lesions at the very young age are outlined. Decision-making regarding surgical selection and determination of the appropriate procedures is presented, as are the outcomes. Improved function can be obtained with surgical repair.

Keywords: Neonatal brachial plexus palsy, nerve surgery

DOI: 10.3233/PRM-2011-0166

Journal: Journal of Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine, vol. 4, no. 2, pp. 141-148, 2011