Use of the Active Movement Scale in outcome prediction in birth brachial plexus injuries: Early results

Abstract

Use of the Active Movement Scale in outcome prediction in birth brachial plexus injuries (abstract) The Active Movement Scale (AMS) is a validated clinical assessment tool designed specifically for infants with birth brachial plexus injuries. This pilot study was designed to see if an association exists between early recovery of elbow flexion by AMS scores was associated with good functional recovery and avoidance of therapeutic interventions. In this retrospective study, 191 infants’ charts were reviewed. All infants had their first AMS before 6 months of age and had at least one year of follow-up. Injury type was also classified using the Narakas scale. Results showed that recovery of elbow flexion by 6 months was strongly associated with avoidance of interventions in Narakas type 1 and 2 patients, with approximately 90% risk reduction. Type 3 and 4 injuries did less well, with high frequency (>80%) of interventions.