Magnetic resonance imaging for detecting root avulsions in brachial plexus birth injuries.

Hardie, Claire M; Karia, Chiraag; Wade, Ryckie G; Kraft, Jeannette K; Bains, Rob; Bourke, Grainne · J Hand Surg Eur Vol · 2025

retrospective_cohort · Level III

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Abstract

We assessed the diagnostic accuracy of 3T magnetic resonance imaging in comparison with surgical exploration for detecting root avulsion in brachial plexus birth injuries. This retrospective cohort study describes a consecutive series of 18 infants with brachial plexus birth injuries born between January 2019 and May 2024 who had a surgical exploration of the plexus preceded by magnetic resonance imaging under the same general anaesthetic. The overall diagnostic accuracy of magnetic resonance imaging for detecting root avulsion(s) of C5-T1 was 68%, with 67% sensitivity and 92% specificity. It has a 'good' diagnostic accuracy for detection of root avulsion, although only a 'sufficient' sensitivity. Although useful, magnetic resonance imaging in its current form cannot be solely relied upon for clinical decision-making in brachial plexus birth injuries. IV.