Predictors of Co-activation in Erb’s Palsy: A Retrospective Study

Abstract

Context: Three per thousand births have Erb’s palsy. Spontaneous recovery is 50%. Co-activation yields poor outcomes. There are no objective indicators of its emergence. Aims: Analyze if 1 month Axon Viability Index (AVI) of the axillary nerve and which active movement score (AMS) measures can predict co-activation. Settings and Design: Tertiary level rehabilitation center, retrospective design. Methods and Material: The electronic medical record (EMR) was reviewed for patients with Erb’s palsy with Narakas grade 2 lesions, as having co-activation or not. The one-month Axillary AVI was used with monthly AMS scores. The inclusion criteria were an AVI greater than ten percent. Exclusion criteria were bi-brachial palsy, congenital anomalies, concomitant or subsequent neurological injuries, and orthopedic injuries. Statistical Analysis Used: Descriptive statistics were used to calculate the median and interquartile values for AMS scores at each respective time point. Statistical significance for each time point was determined using a student’s t-test. Results: Regarding the t-test on the AVI data, a significant P value of 0.001 was found favoring the co-activation group. AVI of the Axillary nerve between 0.1 and 0.5 at 1 month is a reliable indicator of future development of co-activation. The following were strong indicators of the emergence of co-activation respectively: month three Wrist Extension in sitting, Shoulder Abduction in supine, Shoulder Abduction in sitting, Elbow Flexion in sitting, month six Elbow Flexion in sitting, month seven Elbow Flexion in sitting. Conclusions: The axillary AVI at one month is a good predictor of future development of co-activation. The mentioned AMS items are the earliest indicators of co-activation.