Article

Sensory function is assumed to recover almost completely in obstetric brachial plexus lesion (OBPL), and is reported to recover much better than motor
function. However, there is no obvious physiological reason why this should be
so. Any persistent problems with sensory innervation might contribute to
disability, therefore we aimed to assess sensory dysfunction in adults resulting
from OBPL. Method Adults with conservatively treated OBPL (n=17; 12 females, five
males; median age 38y; lesion levels: C5-C6, n=7; C5-C7, n=7; C5-C8, n=2; C5-Th1,
n=1) and 19 healthy comparison persons (10 females, nine males; median age 23y)
were investigated. Sensory function was measured using Semmes-Weinstein
monofilaments, two-point discrimination, object recognition, and a locognosia
test. Results Scores of the Semmes-Weinstein monofilaments and two-point
discrimination, but not object recognition or locognosia, were significantly
worse in those with OBPL than in those without OBPL. Interpretation There may be
systematic abnormalities in sensory function in adults with conservatively
treated OBPL. The existence of these impairments and their contribution to
functional impairment needs to be acknowledged.
CI - (c) The Authors. Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology (c) 2012 Mac Keith
Press.

Langue : ANGLAIS