Brachial plexus birth injury

J Neurosci Nurs. 1991 Dec;23(6):374-80. doi: 10.1097/01376517-199112000-00006.

Abstract

Brachial plexus birth injuries occur at a frequency of 1-2 per 1000 births. Many of these injuries spontaneously resolve. Should spontaneous recovery not occur within the first 4-6 months of life, the prognosis for attaining movement and function of the affected appendage is significantly impaired. The child demonstrates a lifelong disfiguring and functional handicap. With advances in technology, diagnosis and microsurgical techniques, surgical exploration of the brachial plexus has been revived. A multidisciplinary approach has provided dynamic results. At present only one institution in the United States utilizes this innovative protocol. This article addresses the collaborative perioperative nursing implications for a child with brachial plexus birth injury.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Birth Injuries / etiology
  • Birth Injuries / nursing
  • Birth Injuries / surgery*
  • Brachial Plexus / injuries*
  • Brachial Plexus / surgery
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Neurologic Examination
  • Nursing Assessment
  • Patient Care Team
  • Postoperative Complications / nursing*