Scarring of the C8-T1 roots with partial avulsion in situ in total obstetric brachial plexus palsy.

BACKGROUND: Primary exploration of the brachial plexus in infants with obstetric palsy may reveal scarring of the lower roots with evidence of partial avulsion-in-situ. As we have been treating this lesion by neurolysis only, we aimed to investigate the recovery of hand function following such approach.

METHODS: A series of 14 cases of total obstetric palsy with with evidence of partial avulsion-in-situ of the lower roots were included. All lesions were treated by neurolysis only (with no neurotization of the lower roots). Management of the injured upper roots was done by neurotization. Recovery was assessed as per our motor grading system.

RESULTS: After a minimum follow-up of 4 years, hand functional recovery was considered good in 7 patients and excellent in the remaining 7 patients.

CONCLUSIONS: We highlight the scarring of lower roots with evidence of partial avulsion-in situ in obstetric palsy. We also document that neurolysis is an acceptable approach to such lesions. Level of Evidence: Level IV, therapeutic study.