Evaluation of Pain, Upper Extremity Function, and Social Appearance Anxiety in Adults With Obstetric Brachial Plexus Palsy Who Underwent Shoulder Tendon Transfer Surgery

NCT07655271 | Recruiting

• 1 other identifier: 2024-BİAEK/19-40
• Study Type: observational
• Target: 80
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

This observational study aims to evaluate pain and upper extremity function in adults with obstetric brachial plexus palsy who underwent shoulder tendon transfer surgery using the Modified Hoffer technique during childhood. Data on the long-term clinical outcomes of this surgical procedure in adulthood are limited. Participants with obstetric brachial plexus palsy and healthy age-matched individuals will be assessed in a single session. The evaluations will include pain, range of motion, muscle strength, upper extremity functional status, social appearance anxiety, and role performance. The study aims to describe the clinical profile of adults with obstetric brachial plexus palsy after Modified Hoffer tendon transfer and compare their outcomes with healthy peers.

Conditions

Brachial Plexus Birth Palsy; Brachial Plexus Palsy; Brachial Plexus Palsy Due to Birth Trauma

Keywords

Obstetric Brachial Plexus Palsy; Brachial Plexus Birth Palsy; Adults; Long-Term Outcomes In Adulthood; Modified Hoffer Technique; Tendon Transfer; Upper Extremity Function; Pain; Range Of Motion; Muscle Strength; Functional Status; Social Appearance Anxiety; Role Performance

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

• Pain Intensity at Rest, During Activity, and at Night

  Pain intensity will be assessed using the Numeric Rating Scale under three conditions: pain at rest, pain during activity, and pain at night. Participants will rate their pain from 0 to 10, where 0 indicates no pain and 10 indicates the worst imaginable pain.

  Baseline

Secondary Outcomes (6)

• Upper Extremity Range of Motion

  Baseline

• Upper Extremity Muscle Strength

  Baseline

• Shoulder Pain and Disability

  Baseline

• Upper Extremity Disability

  Baseline

• Social Appearance Anxiety

  Baseline

Study Arms (2)

Adults With Brachial Plexus Birth Palsy

Adults with obstetric brachial plexus palsy who underwent shoulder tendon transfer surgery using the Modified Hoffer technique during childhood.

Diagnostic Test: Clinical Assessment Battery

Healthy Controls

Healthy age-matched individuals without obstetric brachial plexus palsy.

Diagnostic Test: Clinical Assessment Battery

Interventions

Clinical Assessment Battery DIAGNOSTIC_TEST

Participants will undergo a standardized clinical assessment including pain, range of motion, muscle strength, functional status, social appearance anxiety, and role/activity performance measures.

Adults With Brachial Plexus Birth Palsy; Healthy Controls

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years - 40 Years
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64)
• Sampling Method: Non-Probability Sample

Study Population

The study population will consist of adults aged 18 to 40 years with unilateral brachial plexus birth palsy who underwent shoulder tendon transfer surgery using the Modified Hoffer Technique, and healthy age-matched individuals. Participants with brachial plexus birth palsy will be recruited from individuals referred by physicians, followed clinically, or admitted to the Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation at Biruni University. Healthy controls will be recruited on a voluntary basis from individuals without brachial plexus birth palsy or upper extremity conditions that may affect the assessments.

You may not qualify if:

• Being between 18 and 40 years of age.
• Having a diagnosis of unilateral brachial plexus birth palsy.
• Having undergone shoulder tendon transfer surgery using the Modified Hoffer Technique.
• Having at least 5 years elapsed since the last surgery.
• Having a cognitive and communication level sufficient to comply with the assessment process.
• Agreeing to participate voluntarily in the study and signing the informed consent form.
• Being between 18 and 40 years of age.
• Having no history of upper extremity-related surgery within the last 5 years.
• Having a cognitive and communication level sufficient to comply with the assessment process.
• Agreeing to participate voluntarily in the study and signing the informed consent form.
• Having a neurological disease.
• Having another orthopedic problem or a history of trauma in the affected upper extremity.
• Having a history of systemic disease requiring an acute attack or hospitalization within the last 3 months.
• Pregnancy or being less than 6 months postpartum.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Biruni University: lead

Study Sites (1)

Biruni University

Istanbul, Istanbul, 34015, Turkey (Türkiye)

RECRUITING

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Pain

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Neurologic Manifestations; Signs and Symptoms; Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms

Study Design

• Study Type: observational
• Observational Model: COHORT
• Time Perspective: CROSS SECTIONAL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: MSc Student

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: June 12, 2026
• First Posted: June 17, 2026
• Study Start (Estimated): July 1, 2026
• Primary Completion (Estimated): December 1, 2026
• Study Completion (Estimated): December 1, 2026
• Last Updated: June 17, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-06

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

TU (1)