Pediatric Rehabilitation Lecture Series: Management of Brachial Plexus Injury (enduring material)-Management of Brachial Plexus Injury

Video Transcription

Video Summary

Dr. Marissa Orsorio, an Associate Professor at the University of Washington and Division Chief for Pediatric Rehab Medicine at Seattle Children's Hospital, gave a presentation on the management of brachial plexus palsy. She discussed risk factors associated with birth brachial plexus palsy, types of injuries and the natural history, shoulder subluxation, and an algorithm for management. Risk factors for brachial plexus injury include gestational diabetes, difficult deliveries, large for gestational age babies, and use of vacuum or forceps during birth. Dr. Orsorio also mentioned other injuries that may mimic brachial plexus palsy, such as hypoxic injury or fractures. She emphasized the importance of thorough head-to-toe evaluation and neurologic examination when diagnosing brachial plexus injury. Treatment options include Botox and casting for shoulder subluxation, nerve surgery (such as nerve reconstruction or nerve transfer) for more severe cases, and tendon transfer surgery for older children. Dr. Orsorio discussed the benefits and risks of these treatment options and highlighted the importance of contracture prevention and long-term management.

Keywords

brachial plexus palsy

risk factors

shoulder subluxation

management algorithm

birth injuries

nerve surgery

head-to-toe evaluation

Botox

tendon transfer surgery