Brachial plexus birth palsy.

Eighty cases of obstetrically related brachial plexus palsy were followed over a five-year period. Serial muscle testing was done to establish classification and level of damage. Gentle passive exercises to the shoulder and elbow should be done prior to age 2 years, after which time no further spontaneous improvement is likely. Anticipating joint deformities on the basis of muscle imbalance evident at this age will allow the clinician to plan the proper reconstructive surgery. Copyright 2013, SLACK Incorporated.