Functional recovery and orthopedic management of brachial plexus palsies.

Functional recovery in 133 patients with brachial palsy is documented over a five-year period. Clinical examination is more reliable than electromyogram or myelogram for obtaining prognostic information. Erb's C V, VI palsies have improved function with cuff transfers and elbow flexor plasties. Posterior cord palsies often require extension plasties of the hand and glenohumeral fusions. C V, VI, VII palsies may require all of these procedures. Klumpke C VIII-T I palsies develop arm-trunk holding power. Adults with total palsies often complain of continued pain, which may be relieved by orthoses.