Klumpke paralysis
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief:
Overview
Overview
Klumpke’s paralysis or Klumpke’s palsy or Dejerine-Klumpke palsy is palsy of the brachial plexus.
A form of brachial plexus injury in which there is paralysis of the muscles of the forearm and hand due to a childbirth injury to the roots of eighth cervical C8 and first thoracic T1 nerves or the lower part of the brachial plexus, a network of spinal nerves that originates in the back of the neck, extends through the axilla (armpit), and gives rise to nerves to the upper limb.[1][2]
The risk is greater when the mother is small or when the infant is of large weight.
Historical Perspective
Historical Perspective
Classification
Classification
Pathophysiology
Pathophysiology
Causes
Causes
Most Common Cause
- Traumatic Vaginal Delivery
Other Causes
- Motorcycle accidents involving spinal cord injury at the level C8-T1
- Injuries resulting in traction during arm abduction, e.g., catching onto a branch to break a fall from a tree
Differentiating Klumpke paralysis from Other Diseases
Differentiating Klumpke paralysis from Other Diseases
Epidemiology and Demographics
Epidemiology and Demographics
Incidence/prevalence
Klumpke Palsy is listed as a ‘rare disease’ by the Office of Rare Diseases (ORD) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). This means that Klumpke Palsy, or a subtype of Klumpke Palsy, affects less than 200,000 people in the US population.
Risk Factors
Risk Factors
Screening
Screening
Natural History, Complications, and Prognosis
Natural History, Complications, and Prognosis
Diagnosis
Diagnosis
Diagnostic Criteria
History and Symptoms
Symptoms include paralysis of intrinsic hand muscles, and ulnar nerve distribution numbness. Involvement of T1 may result in Horner’s syndrome. It can be contrasted to Erb-Duchenne’s palsy, which affects C5 and C6.
Physical Examination
Laboratory Findings
Imaging Findings
Other Diagnostic Studies
Treatment
Treatment
Medical Therapy
Surgery
Prevention
External links
External links
References
References
- ↑ Shenaq SM, Spiegel AJ. Hand, Brachial Plexus Surgery. eMedicine.com. URL: http://www.emedicine.com/plastic/topic450.htm. Accessed on: April 13, 2007.
- ↑ Klumpke palsy. Stedman’s Dictionary. URL: http://www.emedicine.com/asp/dictionary.asp?exact=Y&keyword=Klumpke+palsy. Accessed on: April 13, 2007.
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