Perinatal brachial plexus palsy

Perinatal brachial plexus palsy (PBPP) has been traditionally classified in to three types: upper plexus palsy (Erb's) affecting the C5, C6, and +/- C7 nerve roots, lower plexus palsy (Klumpke's) affecting the C8 and T1 nerve roots, and total plexus palsy. Although most cases will resolve spontaneous ly, the natural history of the remaining cases is influenced by contracture s of uninvolved muscle groups and subluxation or dislocation of the shoulde r and elbow. Microsurgical nerve repair has demonstrated to provide improve d outcomes compared to conservative treatment, while advancements in second ary reconstruction have offered significant improvements in the performance of activities of daily living for older children with unresolved plexus pa lsy. Curr Opin Pediatr 2000, 12:40-47 (C) 2000 Lippincott Williams & Wilkin s, Inc.