title: Incidence of early posterior shoulder dislocation in brachial plexus birth palsy.
abstract: 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.
authors: Department of Hand Surgery, Malmö University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden. Lars.Dahlin@med.lu.se
authors: Lars B
authors: LB
authors: Dahlin
authors: Kristina
authors: K
authors: Erichs
authors: Charlotte
authors: C
authors: Andersson
authors: Catharina
authors: C
authors: Thornqvist
authors: Clas
authors: C
authors: Backman
authors: Henrik
authors: H
authors: Düppe
authors: Pelle
authors: P
authors: Lindqvist
authors: Marianne
authors: M
authors: Forslund