High-Frequency Ultrasonography Improves Diagnosis of Brachial Plexus Injury in Children

Strategic Insights -

Researchers at Huashan Hospital of Fudan University in Shanghai, People's Republic of China, have found that high-frequency ultrasonography offers a more reliable imaging method in diagnosing and treating children with Narakas type IV obstetrical brachial plexus palsy (OBPP). This study aimed to investigate the role of high-frequency ultrasound technology in assessing the location and injury characteristics of nerve root lesions in children with Narakas type IV OBPP.

Key Takeaways:

  • High-frequency ultrasonography can clearly show the course, lesion locations, and injury characteristics of the C5-C7 nerve roots with a relatively high accuracy, but is limited in examining the C8 and T1 nerve roots.
  • The detection rate for ultrasound of C8 nerve injury was 37.0%, but the accuracy of ultrasound in 10 patients was 100%.
  • The study included 24 patients who underwent brachial plexus reconstruction at the Children's Hospital of Fudan University between December 2020 and November 2021 after ultrasound examination.
  • High-frequency ultrasonography offered clearer observation of the brachial plexus, providing a more reliable imaging method in diagnosis and treatment for children with Narakas type IV OBPP.
  • The accuracy of ultrasound in diagnosing the injury to the C5, C6, and C7 nerves was 83.3%, 75.0%, and 75.0%, respectively.
  • The research concluded that high-frequency ultrasonography is a valuable tool in the diagnosis and treatment of brachial plexus injury in children.

Statistics:

  • 24 patients underwent brachial plexus reconstruction at the Children's Hospital of Fudan University between December 2020 and November 2021 after ultrasound examination.
  • 24 patients had nerve trunk injuries identified by ultrasonography that were classified into two categories based on the distance from the intervertebral foramen.
  • 83.3% accuracy in diagnosing the injury to the C5 nerve.
  • 75.0% accuracy in diagnosing the injury to the C6 and C7 nerves.
  • 37.0% detection rate for ultrasound of C8 nerve injury.

Sources:

  • Quantitative Imaging in Medicine and Surgery, 2025;15(10):8797-8806.
  • "Application of high-frequency ultrasound in the diagnosis of brachial plexus injury in children with Narakas type IV obstetrical brachial plexus palsy"

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