Development of a new scoring system in children with obstetric brachial plexus paralysis

The aim of this study was to develop a new scoring system in which children with obstetric brachial plexus palsy can be evaluated holistically during clinical follow-up. Sixty-four children between the ages of 2-10 who applied to Hacettepe University, Faculty of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Hand Surgery and Rehabilitation Unit were included in this study. Demographic information of children were recorded. Children were evaluated with New Scoring System (NSS), Active Movement Scale (AMS) and Modified Mallet Scale (MMS). The scores obtained from these scales were recorded. The Pediatric Outcomes Data Collection Instrument (PODCI) and Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory were used to evaluate functionality of children. PedsQL was used to evaluate health-related quality of life. Correlations between NSS, AMS and MMS with each other and with PODCI, PEDI, PedsQL were examined. As a result, moderate correlation was found between all physical assessment scales scores (AMS, MMS, New Scoring System Scores) and all functional assessment scales scores (PODCI, PEDI, PedsQL). The correlation between NSS Total Shoulder Score, NSS Total Hand Score and all functional assessment scales scores was moderate level. The correlation between NSS Elbow score and all functional assessment scales scores was weak. Very strong correlation was found between NSS and MMS (r=0.844, p<0.01) and also between NSS and AMS (r=0.909, p<0.01). In conclusion, we think that the New Scoring System can be used in children and age groups in which AMS and MMS are used. The New Scoring System needs to be improved. Keywords: Obstetric Brachial Plexus Paralysis, Assessment, Function, Quality of Life