Elbow flexion contractures in brachial plexus birth injury: function and appearance related factors

AbstractPurpose: The purpose of this study was to identify the functional and aesthetic factors associated with an elbow flexion contracture in children with a brachial plexus birth injury who identified their elbow flexion contracture as a problem.Materials and methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study of children with brachial plexus birth injury between 7 and 18 years was conducted to compare the characteristics of children who had treatment for an elbow flexion contracture with those who did not.Results: Fifty of the 200 children included in the study had treatment (one surgical release, 49 serial casting/splinting) for the elbow flexion contracture. Children who had treatment were an average 12.4 years of age, which was significantly older than those who did not have treatment. Elbow extension passive range of motion was an average −40.6° prior to treatment. Stepwise logistical regression model indicated that children who had treatment had greater severity in elbow contracture, higher Brachial P...