Abstract

VERGARA-AMADOR, Enrique Manuel. Current concepts concerning obstetric brachial plexus palsy. rev.fac.med. [online]. 2014, vol.62, n.2, pp.255-263. ISSN 0120-0011.  https://doi.org/10.15446/revfacmed.v62n2.45416.

This article presents a review of current concepts in obstetric brachial plexus palsy (OBPP) looking at its aetiology, demographic aspects, diagnosis and when patients should be observed without surgery and when it is time to operate. Surgery is indicated when there has been no recovery of biceps against gravity (active elbow flexion) against gravity between 3 to 6 months of age. Surgery is focused on neuroma resection and the use of nerve grafts. Nerve transfer or neurotisation also has a place in surgical treatment. Recovery is slow and results are usually observed 2 to 3 years after surgery. Treatment in children aged over 18 months will not consist of microsurgery reconstruction but rather tendon transfer, release and osteotomy.

Keywords : Brachial Plexus; Paralysis; Obstetric; Brachial Plexus Neuropathies; Birth Injuries.

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