This observational study aims to evaluate pain and upper extremity function in adults with obstetric brachial plexus palsy who underwent shoulder tendon transfer surgery using the Modified Hoffer technique during childhood. Data on the long-term clinical outcomes of this surgical procedure in adulthood are limited. Participants with obstetric brachial plexus palsy and healthy age-matched individuals will be assessed in a single session. The evaluations will include pain, range of motion, muscle strength, upper extremity functional status, social appearance anxiety, and role performance. The study aims to describe the clinical profile of adults with obstetric brachial plexus palsy after Modified Hoffer tendon transfer and compare their outcomes with healthy peers.
None
Being between 18 and 40 years of age.
Having a diagnosis of unilateral brachial plexus birth palsy.
Having undergone shoulder tendon transfer surgery using the Modified Hoffer Technique.
Having at least 5 years elapsed since the last surgery.
The study population will consist of adults aged 18 to 40 years with unilateral brachial plexus birth palsy who underwent shoulder tendon transfer surgery using the Modified Hoffer Technique, and healthy age-matched individuals. Participants with brachial plexus birth palsy will be recruited from individuals referred by physicians, followed clinically, or admitted to the Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation at Biruni University. Healthy controls will be recruited on a voluntary basis from individuals without brachial plexus birth palsy or upper extremity conditions that may affect the assessments.
Cohort
Cross-sectional
Clinical Assessment Battery
Diagnostic testParticipants will undergo a standardized clinical assessment including pain, range of motion, muscle strength, functional status, social appearance anxiety, and role/activity performance measures.
Pain Intensity at Rest, During Activity, and at Night
Pain intensity will be assessed using the Numeric Rating Scale under three conditions: pain at rest, pain during activity, and pain at night. Participants will rate their pain from 0 to 10, where 0 indicates no pain and 10 indicates the worst imaginable pain.
Upper Extremity Range of Motion
Upper extremity range of motion will be assessed using the Kinvent K-Move Digital Goniometer. Shoulder flexion, shoulder extension, shoulder abduction, shoulder external rotation, shoulder internal rotation, elbow flexion, elbow extension, forearm supination, forearm pronation, wrist flexion, and wrist extension will be measured bilaterally.
Upper Extremity Muscle Strength
Upper extremity muscle strength will be assessed using the MicroFET-2 digital handheld dynamometer. The relevant primary muscle groups of the shoulder, elbow, forearm, and wrist will be measured bilaterally.
Shoulder Pain and Disability
Shoulder pain and disability will be assessed using the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index. Higher scores indicate greater shoulder pain and disability.
Upper Extremity Disability
Upper extremity disability will be assessed using the Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire. Higher scores indicate greater upper extremity disability.
Click on the lead sponsor to view all of their trials.
