Relationship between discrepancies in upper-limb anthropometrics and functionality in children with obstetrical brachial plexus injury

Abstract

Background: Children with obstetrical brachial plexus injury often present with relative reduction and deficit (discrepancies) in length, girth and functional performance in their affected upper-limb. However, the relationship between these discrepancies and the functional deficit is still unclear.

Objective: This study evaluated discrepancies in upperlimb of children with obstetrical brachial plexus injury, and find the relationship between these discrepancies and the functional performances in the affected upper-limbs.

Methods: This study involved 50 children with obstetrical brachial plexus injury undergoing rehabilitation at selected secondary and tertiary health institutions in Lagos state, Nigeria. Upper-limb-length, arm-girth and forearm-girth were measured using broad-blade anthropometer and inelastic tape measure. Modified Mallet-Scale was used to assess functional performances of the upper-limbs while joints' range of motion was assessed using a full-circle goniometer. Data was analysed using Pearson's Correlation Coefficient, paired and independent t-test.

Results: Participants were aged 47.86 ±24.50 months. Discrepancies in upper-limb length and arm and forearm girth were 2.17±3.19 cm, 0.21±0.78 cm and 0.73±0.73 cm respectively. There was significant discrepancy in lengths, girths and functional performance between affected and unaffected upper-limb. The age of commencement of treatment ranged between one day and 2555 days with a mean of 2224.52±469.30 days. Time of commencement of treatment was significantly related with lengths, girths and functional performance of the affected upper-limbs.

Conclusion: There are significant discrepancy in lengths, girth and functional performance between affected and unaffected upper limb of children with obstetrical brachial plexus injury. There is negative significant relationship between time of commencement of treatments and the discrepancies that occurred in the affected upper-limb of children with obstetrical brachial plexus injury.

Keywords: Brachial Plexus, Birth Palsy, Limb Discrepancies, Functional performance, Nigeria children