Functional recovery and orthopedic management of brachial plexus palsies.
Functional recovery in 133 patients with brachial palsy is documented over a five-year period. Clinical examination is more reliable than electromyogram or myelogram for obtaining prognostic information. Erb's C V, VI palsies have improved function with cuff transfers and elbow flexor plasties. Posterior cord palsies often require extension plasties of the hand and glenohumeral fusions. C V, VI, VII palsies may require all of these procedures. Klumpke C VIII-T I palsies develop arm-trunk holding power. Adults with total palsies often complain of continued pain, which may be relieved by orthoses.
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001132:Arm / Q000503:physiopathology; D001720:Birth Injuries / Q000534:rehabilitation; D001917:Brachial Plexus / Q000293:injuries; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004576:Electromyography; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D009132:Muscles / Q000503:physiopathology; D009989:Orthotic Devices; D010243:Paralysis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation* / Q000601:surgery