The role of botulinum toxin in the neurorehabilitation of young patients with brachial plexus birth palsy

Abstract

Purpose: To favour the active movements of the shoulder abductor/external rotator, elbow extensor and supinator muscles, through the partial inhibition of the uninvolved antagonistic muscles, in the Brachial Plexus birth Palsy (BPP). Methods: The type A Botulinum Neuro Toxin (BNT-Dysport®, Ipsen) was injected in 50 outpatients (mean age: 4.7 ± 3.4 years) with BPP according to the criteria: early and current neuro-rehabilitation (Reflex Locomotion-RL), age <14 years, no cognitive impairment. Repeat injections (1.9 ± 0.8) were performed in 30 patients. Results: The range of active movements increased at the maximal benefit phase, compared to the baseline values (p < 0.05-0.01). The gain of shoulder's abduction was directly related to the youngest age (r = 0.6). An expanded compliance of the injected muscles and a faster response to the RL, in respect to that experienced in the pre-BNT sessions, was detected. The Global Clinical Rating Scale disclosed the temporal pro® le of the clinical outcome, with step-like increases of the function in 70% of the patients, and a `plateau' trait in the remaining ones (+29.8 ± 10.5%). The video-taped recordings showed an improvement in the global movements. Conclusions: The employment of BNT in the management of young patients with BPP has beneficial effects in the integration of the bodily scheme.

• Plexus Botulinum Rehabilitation Vojta