[Therapy and prognosis of obstetrical lesions of the brachial plexus (author's transl)].
Out of 26 children with 31 brachial paralyses 19 patients with 23 paralyses were examined in an average age of 7,9 years. In these cases a distinct correlation with abnormal birth positions and with more difficult deliveries respectively was given. There were 8 total, 14 upper and 1 lower paralysis. At the follow-up examination 10 cases were without any signs of paresis, on 13 extremities we found defects of different degrees, but only 1 severe and 4 slight contractures. The total paralyses and here particularly the bilateral cases showed the worst results. All cases completely or with minimal defects healed had developed already in the first 6 weeks after birth a good recovery from the paresis. In such cases a good prognosis may be given at that early time. As the earliest treatment the fixation of the shoulder joint in abduction and external rotation with flexed elbow on a splint as prevention of further stretch on the plexus and contractures seems to be the most important masure; later on a physio-therapy and mobilisation of the joints is of essential importance.
D001720:Birth Injuries; D001917:Brachial Plexus / Q000293:injuries*; D004599:Electric Stimulation Therapy; D005081:Exercise Therapy; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007103:Immobilization; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007746:Labor Presentation; D008297:Male; D010246:Paralysis, Obstetric / Q000628:therapy*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011379:Prognosis
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