Obstetric brachial plexus injury: expectations before and satisfaction three months after secondary surgery on the shoulder

Introduction Children affected by obstetrical brachial plexus injury frequently have residual externalrotation weakness in the shoulder. Secondary surgical procedures are available for improvement. The aim ofthis study was to describe and compare children's and parents’ expectations, the importance of selectedarm/hand function, and performance of activities before and satisfaction after surgical correction of rotationdeformity in the shoulder. Method In the Department of Hand Surgery, Södersjukhuset Sweden, all patients ≥4-year-olds (n = 42)affected by obstetrical plexus injury who underwent secondary surgery to release rotation contracture of the shoulder were included in this study between November 2001 and May 2006. A disease-specific questionnaire was developed and used. Results The expectations before surgery were that the majority of the activities and functions would be improved. There were some differences between the adolescents’ and their parents’ expectations. After surgery, both children and parents were overall satisfied. Conclusion This study shows that expectations before surgery were high and both children and parents reported positive experiences three months after surgery. A longterm study is warranted if final conclusions are to be drawn.