Obstetric Brachial Plexus Palsy

 

A child presenting with a brachial plexus palsy should be referred urgently to the Paediatric Orthopaedic Physiotherapy team.  Contact orthopaedic paediatric physiotherapy admin, St Michaels Hospital extn 8846. A written referral will also be required. The child will not always be seen by a physiotherapist on the ward but they will be offered an outpatient appointment within 2 weeks.  An X-ray of clavicles is required to exclude fractures.

Paediatric Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon does not need to routinely be informed of children with Obstetric Brachial Plexus Palsy as the Paediatric Orthopaedic Physiotherapy team will refer on as necessary. An exception to this is the presence of an associated fracture.

 

 

 

Date reviewed                     9/6/2023

Next review due                  9/6/2024

Sifter name                          Dr Rebecca Hopkins

Contributor                           Sarah Harvey Paediatric Orthopaedic Physiotherapist, Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust