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DOI: 10.1055/s-0028-1102927
© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York
Bilateral Obstetric Brachial Plexus Paralysis: A Case Report
Bilaterale geburtsbedingte Plexusparese: FallberichtPublication History
Publication Date:
04 March 2009 (online)
![](https://www.thieme-connect.de/media/klinpaed/200902/lookinside/thumbnails/10.1055-s-0028-1102927-1.jpg)
Abstract
Background: Whereas cases of unilateral obstetric brachial plexus paralysis have been sufficiently described and discussed in the literature cases of bilateral obstetric brachial plexus paralysis are extremely rare and so far have not been mentioned and discussed satisfactorily.
Patients: We present a case of bilateral obstetric brachial plexus paralysis in an 8-months-old white boy. We performed a neurotisation of the Nervus suprascapularis with the Nervus accessorius and an Oberlin procedure on both sides in two operative steps.
Results: In an early follow-up 6 months after the second operation and intensive physiotherapy the little patient was able to crawl with the active help of both arms.
Conclusions: Bilateral obstetric brachial plexus paralysis is a very rare incidence in infants. An interdisciplinary approach including paediatrics, plastic surgeons, neurosurgeons, neurologists, radiologists and physiotherapists is essential for the success of treatment strategies in such cases.
Zusammenfassung
Hintergrund: Während bisher Fälle von unilateralen geburtsbedingten Plexusparesen ausreichend publiziert und diskutiert worden sind, so sind bilaterale geburtsbedingte Plexusparesen extrem selten und bisher nicht publiziert worden.
Patienten: Wir stellen einen 8 Monate alten Jungen vor, der an einer bilateralen geburtsbedingten Plexusparese leidet. Wir führten beidseits eine Neurotisation des N. suprascapularis auf den N. accessorius sowie die Oberlin-Prozedur durch. Dabei wurden die rechte und linke Seite zweizeitig operativ versorgt.
Ergebnisse: In einer frühen Nachuntersuchung 6 Monate nach der zuletzt durchgeführten Operation und intensiver Physiotherapie, konnte der kleine Patient bereits mit Hilfe beider Arme kurze Krabbelstrecken zurücklegen.
Schlussfolgerungen: Bilaterale geburtsbeding-te Plexusparesen sind extrem seltene Verletzungsmuster. Nur im Rahmen eines interdisziplinären Ansatzes mit Pädiatern, Plastischen Chirurgen, Neurochirurgen, Neurologen, Radiologen und Physiotherapeuten ist ein Therapieansatz Erfolg versprechend.
Key words
bilateral plexus palsy - infant - obstetric - brachial plexus
Schlüsselwörter
bilaterale Plexusparese - Kleinkind - Geburtshilfe - Plexus brachialis
References
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Correspondence
Dr. Adrian Dragu
Department of Plastic and Hand Surgery
University Hospital
University of Erlangen-Nürnberg
Krankenhausstr. 12
91054 Erlangen
Germany
Phone: +49/9131/853 32 77
Fax: +49/9131/853 93 27
Email: adrian.dragu@uk-erlangen.de