Morphometric Analysis of the Association of Primary Shoulder Reconstruction Procedures with Scapular Growth in Obstetric Brachial Plexus Paralysis Patients

Abstract

Background Obstetric brachial plexus paralysis (OBPP) has been associated with shoulder deformities, scapular growth, and shoulder function impairment. The absence of balanced muscular forces acting on the scapula has been considered responsible for scapula dysplasia and impaired growth as compared with the normal side. Scapula growth impairment may also lead to shoulder and upper extremity dysfunction. This study aims at showing the association of primary nerve reconstruction with the restoration of scapular bone growth potential. Methods This is a retrospective review of 73 patients with OBPP who underwent primary shoulder reconstruction. Patients were categorized for assessment and analysis into group A, global paralysis; group B, Erb's palsy; and group C, Erb's palsy with C7 root involvement. Scapular posteroanterior and lateral X-rays were obtained in which four scapula dimensions were manually measured. The growth discrepancy depending on the applied treatment was investigated. Results The highest improvement was noted in scapular height in the Erb's palsy group who underwent simultaneous neurotization of the suprascapular and axillary nerves. The oblique axis was more improved in the Erb's palsy group while both big and small widths were more improved in the Erb's palsy with C7 root involvement group in patients who underwent concomitant neurotization of the suprascapular and the axillary nerves. Functional improvement correlated positively with growth improvement in all groups and scapular dimensions. Conclusion Scapula growth and shoulder function improvement were higher in patients with Erb's palsy. Simultaneous axillary and suprascapular nerve neurotization provided the best outcome in both functional and growth restoration.