Assessment of obstetric brachial plexus injury with preoperative ultrasound

ABSTRACT Introduction: Tools used in the assessment of obstetric brachial plexus injuries (OBPIs) have traditionally included electrodiagnostic studies, computerized tomography with myelography, and MRI. However, the utility of ultrasound (US) in infants for such assessment has not been extensively examined. Methods: This retrospective case series reports the preoperative brachial plexus US findings in 8 patients with OBPI and compares US with intraoperative findings. When available, the preoperative US was compared with the preoperative MRI. Results: US revealed abnormalities in all 8 patients. Although MRI detected abnormalities in the majority of patients, US provided accurate information regarding severity and anatomic location of injury in some patients. Conclusions: US is a relatively inexpensive, noninvasive, painless diagnostic modality that can be used to assess OBPI. This case series suggests that US is a valuable adjunct to current diagnostic modalities. Muscle Nerve 53: 946–950, 2016