Incidence of early posterior shoulder dislocation in brachial plexus birth palsy.
BACKGROUND
Posterior dislocation of the shoulder in brachial plexus birth palsy during the first year of life is rare but the incidence increases with age. The aim was to calculate the incidence of these lesions in children below one year of age.


METHODS
The incidence of brachial plexus birth lesion and occurrence of posterior shoulder dislocation was calculated based on a prospective follow up of all brachial plexus patients at an age below one in Malmö municipality, Sweden, 2000-2005.


RESULTS
The incidence of brachial plexus birth palsy was 3.8/1000 living infants and year with a corresponding incidence of posterior shoulder dislocation (history, clinical examination and x-ray) during the first year of 0.28/1000 living infants and year, i.e. 7.3% of all brachial plexus birth palsies.


CONCLUSIONS
All children with a brachial plexus birth lesion (incidence 3.8 per thousand) should be screened, above the assessment of neurological recovery, during the first year of life for posterior dislocation of the shoulder (incidence 0.28 per thousand) since such a condition may occur in 7% of children with a brachial plexus birth lesion.
Dahlin
Lars B
LB
Department of Hand Surgery, Malmö University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden. Lars.Dahlin@med.lu.se
Erichs
Kristina
K
Andersson
Charlotte
C
Thornqvist
Catharina
C
Backman
Clas
C
Düppe
Henrik
H
Lindqvist
Pelle
P
Forslund
Marianne
M