Traumatic Brachial Plexus Palsy in Children: Long-Term Outcome and Strategy of Reconstruction

Abstract Background Traumatic brachial plexus injuries in children represent a definite spectrum of injuries between adult and neonatal brachial plexus injuries. Their characteristics have been scarcely reported in the literature. The priority of functional restoration is not clear. Methods In total, 52 children with surgically treated traumatic brachial plexus injuries, excluding Erb's palsy, were reviewed after a minimum follow-up of 2 years. All children except nine were males, with an average age at surgery of 8 years. Forty-five children had exclusive supraclavicular plexus injuries. Twenty-one of them (46%) had two or more root avulsions. Seven children (13.5%) had infraclavicular plexus injuries. Time from trauma to surgery varied from 1 to 15 months (mean = 4.7 months). Extraplexal neurotization was the most common surgical technique used. Results Shoulder abduction and external rotation were restored to an average of 83 and 26 degrees, respectively. Elbow flexion and extension were restored to grade ≥3 in 96 and 91.5% of cases, respectively. Finger flexion and extension were restored to grade ≥4 in 29 and 32% of cases, respectively. Wrist flexion and extension were restored to grade ≥4 in 21 and 27% of cases, respectively. Results of neurotization were superior to those of neurolysis and nerve grafting. Among the 24 children with insensate hands, 20 (83.3%) recovered S3 sensation, 3 recovered S2, and 1 recovered S1. No case complained of neuropathic pain. Functional recovery correlated negatively but insignificantly with the age at surgery and time from injury to surgery. Conclusion Brachial plexus injuries in children are associated with a high incidence root avulsions and no pain. Neurotization is frequently required and the outcome is not significantly affected by the delay in surgery. In total plexus injuries, some useful hand function can be restored, and management should follow that of obstetric palsy and be focused on innervating the medial cord.