Obstetric Brachial Paralysis

Abstract

Summary : Forty-eight children with obstetric brachial plexus injuries were seen in the paediatric peurology clinic of the University College Hospital, Ibadan, over a 3-year period; this was 2.3% of clinic referrals for the period. There was no difference in sex incidence or the side affected. Asphyxia at birth, occurred in 12.5%, while 39.6% were described as being big at birth. Isolated Erb-Duchenne palsy occurred in 85.4%; 6 patients had injury affecting the entire plexus and sensory loss occurred in 37.5%. Only 26% of 42 treated patients had good recovery. This low rate of recovery was due to inadequate facilities for physical, social and psychologic rehabilitation. It is concluded that environmental factors are important in the causation of this disease in Nigeria.