Cerebral Palsy
Introduction Cerebral palsy is often related to hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) when the infant’s brain is deprived of adequate blood flow secondary to a hypoxic-ischemic event during the prenatal, intrapartum,…
Brachial Plexus Pre- and Post-Op Management: Secondary
Introduction Brachial plexus birth injuries (BPBI) not resolving through natural recovery often result in various sequelae associated with the shoulder, elbow, wrist, and/or hand. These impairments often include decreased range…
Brachial Plexus: Primary Surgery
Introduction The anatomy, incidence, etiology, demographics, and initial management of a child with brachial plexus palsy have been discussed in this chapter. Timely referral to a brachial center is recommended…
Multiligamentous Laxity
Introduction Multiligament laxity in children and adolescents results from underlying joint hypermobility. Joint hypermobility (JH) is defined as the “capability that a joint (or a group of joints) has to…
Congenital II: Radial Longitudinal Deficiency and Thumb Hypoplasia
Pertinent Anatomy and Classifications The upper limb develops early and rapidly during development, beginning at approximately 28 days after fertilization and completed by day 56. Development in three axes involves the…
Brachial Plexus Birth Palsy—Introduction and Initial Treatment
Introduction The brachial plexus is the network of nerves most commonly formed by the ventral rami of the spinal nerves C5 to T1, which provide movement and sensation to the…
Arthrogryposis
Introduction Arthrogryposis, also known as arthrogryposis multiplex congenita (AMC) is a rare diagnosis that applies to all children with congenital joint contractures affecting more than one limb. Multiple conditions fall…
Splinting, Taping, and Adaptation
Introduction Splinting, taping, and structural adaptations are common modalities in rehabilitating the injured or atypical hand. There are many options available for the pediatric therapist to adapt adult modalities for…
Rehabilitation of the Pediatric Upper Extremity Congenital Part II—Polydactyly
Polydactyly (Preaxial and Postaxial) Pertinent Anatomy and Classifications Polydactyly can be divided based on the region of the hand involved into preaxial (radial), central, and postaxial (ulnar)—with variants on these…
Hand Function: Typical Development
Acknowledgments Photo credits: Naomi Polatsek Introduction Hand motor skill development begins early in utero with spontaneous movements and is fully completed during adolescence with the mastery of fine motor skills…
