Remote therapeutic effect of early nerve transposition in treatment of obstetrical brachial plexus palsy.

OBJECTIVE: To report a method and remote therapeutic effect of early nerve transposition in treatment of obstetrical brachial plexus palsy.

METHODS: From May 1995 to August 1996, 12 patients who had no recovery of biceps 3 months after birth were treated with nerve transposition. Eight had neuroma at the upper trunk and 4 had rupture or avulsion of the upper trunk. Mallet test was used to evaluate the results.

RESULTS: The follow-up of 40-52 months showed that excellent and good recovery in functions was found in 75% of the patients and the excellent rate of phrenic nerve and accessory nerve transposition was 83.3% and 6 6.7% respectively. A complete recovery in shoulder and elbow joint function was in 3 patients and Mallet IV was in 6 patients.

CONCLUSIONS: Satisfactory outcome can be obtained by using early nerve transposition in treating obstetrical brachial plexus.