A Multidisciplinary Approach to Brachial Plexus Birth Injury: An Overview and Institutional Experience

Abstract

Without early diagnosis and intervention, brachial plexus birth injuries (BPBIs) can result in permanent upper extremity debilitation. Previously, BPBI was treated by single-specialty surgeons; however, given the complexity of the injury, BPBIs necessitate multidisciplinary team care. Common specialists involved within brachial plexus injury clinics include radiologists, physical medicine and rehabilitation physicians, occupational therapists, nerve surgeons, and shoulder surgeons. Care plans are meticulously designed by all team members, and depending on injury severity and clinical course, patients may undergo treatment including range-of-motion exercises, splinting, botulinum toxin injections, nerve surgery, or shoulder surgery. The objective of this article is to highlight and discuss key providers within BPBI clinics and describe the BPBI experience here at Texas Children's Hospital.

Keywords

multidisciplinary clinics - brachial plexus birth injury - BPBI - nerve surgery - plastic surgery - glenohumeral dysplasia

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