Brachial plexus birth injury (BPBI) results from closed traction injury
to the brachial plexus in the neck during an infant’s vertex passage through the
birth canal. Although spontaneous upper limb recovery occurs in most instances
of BPBI, some infants do not demonstrate adequate motor recovery within an
acceptable timeline and require surgical intervention to restore upper limb
function. This article reviews major advances in the management of BPBI in the
past decade that include improved understanding of shoulder pathology and its
impact on observed motor recovery, novel surgical techniques, new insights in
sensory function and pain, and global efforts to develop standardized outcomes
assessment scales.
After viewing this course, the participant should be able to:
- Describe methods of clinical evaluation for neurologic recovery in brachial plexus birth injury.
- Understand the role of different diagnostic imaging modalities to evaluate the upper limb.
- List nonsurgical strategies and surgical procedures to manage shoulder abnormality.
- Explain the advantages and disadvantages of microsurgical nerve reconstruction and distal nerve transfers in brachial plexus birth injury
- Recognize the prevalence of pain in this population and the need for greater sensory outcomes evaluation.
Faculty
Kevin J. Zuo, MD, MASc; Emily S. Ho, PhD, OTReg(Ont); Sevan Hopyan MD, PhD; Howard M. Clarke MD, PhD; Kristen M. Davidge, MD, MSc
Plastic and Reconstruction Surgery®Editors:
Editor-in-Chief: Kevin Chung, MD
Co-Editor: Amy Colwell, MD
Section Editors: John Y.S. Kim, MDAccreditation Information
AMA PRA Category 1 CreditTM:1.0
Patient Safety Credit: 0.5
Media:Journal Article, video
Release Date: 5/01/2023
Expiration Date:5/01/2026
Estimated time to complete this course:1 hour
*Course access ends on course expiration date
Directly provided by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS)
Accreditation Statement
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
Designation Statement
The ASPS designates this enduring material for a maximum of1.0AMA PRA Category 1 Credit. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
Intended Audience
This educational activity is intended for plastic surgery practitioners, residents, and other healthcare professionals interested in translating expanded knowledge into practice for the improvement of patient outcomes in plastic and reconstructive surgery.
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