THE PROGNOSTIC VALUE OF CONCURRENT CLAVICULAR FRACTURES IN NEWBORNS WITH OBSTETRIC BRACHIAL-PLEXUS PALSY

This study investigates the prognostic value of concurrent clavicular fractures in newborn babies with obstetric brachial plexus palsy. The records of 183 consecutive newborn babies with brachial plexus birth i njury from 1988 to 1993 were reviewed retrospectively. Poor outcome, s pecifically insufficient spontaneous return of motor function of the l imb necessitating primary brachial plexus surgery, was assessed for in fants both with and without concurrent clavicular fractures. 13 newbor n babies had concurrent clavicular fractures, and of these two require d primary brachial plexus surgery. On the other hand, surgery was requ ired for 43 of the remaining 170 infants with intact clavicles. Using Fisher's exact test, P = 0.2. Concurrent clavicular fractures in newbo rns with obstetrical brachial plexus palsy have no prognostic value in predicting spontaneous recovery.