December 2003

Booklet offers info on birth injury

The Royal Children’s Hospital physiotherapists, occupational therapists and plastic surgeons have produced a booklet to inform and support parents, general practitioners and obstetricians about brachial plexus palsy.

Injury to the brachial plexus, the large network of nerves extending from the neck into the arm, can occur during childbirth.

The muscle that the nerve serves can become inactive and begin to deteriorate, the arm may not grow normally and muscles and joints may tighten.

Most hospitals report one to two babies born with a brachial plexus injury per 1,000 births.

‘The Royal Children’s Hospital leads the way in assessment and treatment of children with this injury and is one of only a few centres around the world offering such treatment,’ said plastic surgeon Bruce Johnstone.

‘It is the only hospital in Australia to have a multi-professional clinic devoted to this condition.’

Obstetrician Sue Walker from Mercy Hospital for Women welcomed the booklet.

‘Difficulty delivering the baby’s shoulders, fortunately, is uncommon but, mostly, unpredictable and unavoidable,’ she said.

‘When it occurs after delivery of the baby’s head, prompt delivery of the baby is essential to avoid any problems due to impaired oxygen supply.

‘Referral to a multi-disciplinary team, such as the Royal Children’s Hospital, offers these children and their families world-class intervention, support and rehabilitation to ensure optimal long term outcome.’

• The booklet is available free of charge through the hospital’s Plastic Surgery Department on 9345 6583.