Bilateral obstetric brachial plexus paralysis: a case report.
BACKGROUND
Whereas cases of unilateral obstetric brachial plexus paralysis have been sufficiently described and discussed in the literature cases of bilateral obstetric brachial plexus paralysis are extremely rare and so far have not been mentioned and discussed satisfactorily.


METHODS
We present a case of bilateral obstetric brachial plexus paralysis in an 8-months-old white boy. We performed a neurotisation of the Nervus suprascapularis with the Nervus accessorius and an Oberlin procedure on both sides in two operative steps.


RESULTS
In an early follow-up 6 months after the second operation and intensive physiotherapy the little patient was able to crawl with the active help of both arms.


CONCLUSIONS
Bilateral obstetric brachial plexus paralysis is a very rare incidence in infants. An interdisciplinary approach including paediatrics, plastic surgeons, neurosurgeons, neurologists, radiologists and physiotherapists is essential for the success of treatment strategies in such cases.
Dragu
A
A
Department of Plastic and Hand Surgery, University Hospital, University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany. adrian.dragu@uk-erlangen.de
Horch
R E
RE
Wirth
S
S
Ingianni
G
G
D001720:Birth Injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D001917:Brachial Plexus / Q000293:injuries*; D020516:Brachial Plexus Neuropathies / Q000601:surgery*; D004550:Elbow / Q000294:innervation; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D052577:Infant, Extremely Low Birth Weight; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007235:Infant, Premature, Diseases / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D009048:Motor Skills / Q000502:physiology; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000294:innervation; D016067:Nerve Transfer / Q000379:methods*; D012782:Shoulder / Q000294:innervation