Musculoskeletal growth in the upper arm in infants after obstetric brachial plexus lesions partial denervation and its relation with residual muscle function

J.M. Ruoff, J.A. van der Sluijs, W.J.R. van Ouwerkerk, R.T. Jaspers

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    Abstract

    Aim Denervation after obstetric brachial plexus lesion (OBPL) is associated with reduced musculoskeletal growth in the upper arm. The aim of this study was to investigate whether reduced growth of upper arm flexor and extensor muscles is related to active elbow function and humeral length. Method In this study, 31 infants age less than 6months (mean age 4.3mo; range 2.1-5.9mo; 17 males; 14 females;) with unilateral OBPL (Narakas class I, 19; II, 3; III, 2; and IV, 7) treated at the VU medical centre, in whom neurosurgical reconstruction was considered were prospectively studied using magnetic resonance imaging of both arms at a mean age of 4.3months. Humeral length and the cross-sectional area (CSA) of elbow flexor and extensor muscles were measured in both upper arms. Paresis of elbow function was estimated when the infants were a mean age of 4.5months using the Gilbert score. Results Both flexor and extensor CSAs were significantly smaller on the affected side than on the unaffected side (88% [SD 32%], p=0.020, and 88% [SD 24%], p=0.001 respectively), as was humeral length (96% [SD 7%], p=0.005) (unaffected side 100% in all cases). There was no relation between the reduction in flexor and extensor CSA and residual muscle function. In 17 out of 31 patients, hypertrophy of flexor and/or extensor muscles was observed. Humeral length was not related to muscle parameters. Interpretation Denervation has different effects on muscle growth and function as well as bone growth. In young infants with an OBPL, muscle size is not a predictor of muscle function. Flexion contractures of the elbow later in childhood may not be explained by a dominance of flexor muscle mass in infants. © The Authors. Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology © 2012 Mac Keith Press.
    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)1050-1056
    Number of pages7
    JournalDevelopmental Medicine and Child Neurology
    Volume54
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 2012

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