Transient Brachial Plexus Traction Palsy Following Scoliosis Deformity Correction Surgery - A Case Report.

Abstract

Introduction: Correction of spinal deformity in the pediatric age group is associated with a neurological complication at a rate of 0.71-0.94%. Of these, primary brachial plexus traction palsies have been rarely reported.

Case report: We present two cases of complex painless spinal deformity in growing children, managed initially with halo gravity traction with post-operative transient brachial plexus palsy diagnosed on post-operative day 1. Post-operative magnetic resonance imaging showed edema around the brachial plexus which resolved at 4 weeks in both cases.

Conclusion: Transient brachial plexus palsy may present postoperatively in patients with excessive correction of neck tilt angle and T1 slope angle. They generally have a good prognosis with medical management and the surgeon need not rush with a decision on re-exploration.