A practical approach of the pediatric patient with obstetrical brachial plexus palsy starting from 28 cases – Single centre experience over 6 years

Neonatal brachial plexus palsy is a complication that occurs during difficult vaginal delivery or due to unexplained causes, probably prenatal in which some or all brachial plexus branches are affected (avulsion, rupture, stretching). A cohort of 28 cases evaluated in our clinic in 6 years and 6 months (Jan 2007-July 2013) from the clinical and paraclinical point of view, treatment, and the outcome were analyzed. 17 (60.7%) of the patients were boys and 11 (39.2%) were girls. 14 (50%) had right brachial plexus palsy, 12 (42.8%) had left brachial plexus palsy and 2 (7.1%) had bilateral involvement. 5 (17.8%) of them had reconstructive surgery done. 11 (39.2%) had good to complete recovery. The purpose of this paper is to underline the importance of early presentation for neurological evaluation and the beginning of physical therapy.