Correlation between motor function recovery and daily living activity outcomes after brachial plexus surgery

Abstract

Objective: To establish the correlation between clinical evaluation of motor function recovery and daily living activities in 30 patients with upper traumatic brachial plexus injury submitted to surgery. Methods: The score of the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaire and the Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center (LSUHSC) scale were determined in 30 patients. Epidemiologic factors were also examined and correlations were determined. Results: There was a significant correlation between the clinical evaluation and the daily living activities after a 12-month period (r = 0.479 and p = 0.007). A direct correlation was observed between the functional recovery of the upper limb and the time between injury and surgery (r = 0.554 and p = 0.001). The LSUHSC scores (p = 0.049) and scores from the DASH questionnaire (p = 0.013) were better among patients who returned to work. Conclusions: Clinical evaluation and daily living activities in adult patients who underwent nerve transfer after brachial plexus injury showed significant and measurable improvements.