Multiplanar humeral shape changes from infancy to adulthood in patients with birth-related brachial plexus palsy: a cross-sectional analysis.

BACKGROUND

Birth-related brachial plexus palsy (BRBPP), occurring in up to 1.7% of live births, may have drastic effects on quality of life for those failing to recover shortly after birth. Because humeral shape changes correlate with function in older children with BRBPP, the purpose of this study is to evaluate the temporal patterns of humeral shape pathology resulting from unilateral BRBPP spanning the arc from infancy to adulthood, strengthening our knowledge as a basis for clinical intervention.

METHODS

Three-dimensional (3D) axial magnetic resonance (MR) images of both arms were acquired from individuals with unilateral BRBPP (20 females and 12 males, age 0.6-18.8 years, 11 left and 21 right involvement). Humeral head version and inclination along with humeral size were quantified from 3D models, manually segmented from the MR images.

RESULTS

Bone growth inhibition on the involved side was observed (Δ humeral length = -11.2 ± 9.2 mm, Δ epicondylar width = -3.8 ± 4.4 mm, Δ head diameter = -1.8 ± 1.0 mm, P < .001) and increased with age (ρ = -0.65 to -0.73, P < .001). The involved humeral head was anteverted (Δ = -11.1 ± 16.8°, P < .001), which correlated with age (r = -0.59, P < .001). The nerve injury fosters humeral growth inhibition within 6 months of birth. Version was variable across patients in the 6- to 24-month range and then anteversion was typically present in all patients older than 2 years. Humeral head declination was only present in the older participants (≥9 years) and correlated with age (r = -0.42, P = .002).

CONCLUSION

This study confirms the presence of increasing humeral morphologic pathology throughout development in children with BRBPP. Morphologic changes are likely caused by weakened/imbalanced muscle forces, which decrease coordinated movements and forces on the bone. The latter leads to size and shape changes that further enhances joint torque weaknesses and imbalances, creating a pathologic feedback loop that eventually hinders functional movement. Increasing pathology with age suggests that earlier intervention is more likely to limit physical and functional deficits associated with BRBPP, but that later intervention may still prevent worsening pathology. In the future, considering humeral morphology as a clinical endpoint when evaluating BRBPP interventions may bring new insight to long-term therapeutic results.