Brachial Plexus Center

Why Choose the Brachial Plexus Center at Cincinnati Children's

Team Approach | Treatment Techniques | Improved Outcomes | Evidence-Based Care l
Family-Centered Care l Commitment to Research l Your Partner in Care l High Patient Volume

Brachial Plexus Center Team Approach

The Brachial Plexus Center at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center is one of only a few centers in the country that offers a coordinated, multidisciplinary team approach to diagnose and treat children with brachial plexus injuries.

Each patient is thoroughly evaluated by specialists in Pediatric Orthopaedic Surgery, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Occupational and Physical Therapy and Pediatric Rehabilitation. After the evaluation, the Brachial Plexus Center team works closely with you and your child to develop a treatment plan.

Using the most current approaches in treatment, the Brachial Plexus Center team of experts has built a reputation of excellence characterized by integrity, innovation and respect. Advanced training in a variety of areas allows the team members to provide the best approach, or combination of approaches, to the treatment of brachial plexus injuries.

By combining all these specialties into one comprehensive program, families spend less time seeking services through multiple providers. All our services are in one location.

Brachial Plexus Treatment Techniques

We use a combination of techniques to treat children with brachial plexus injuries, including family input to determine the best treatment approach for each child. Primary microsurgical nerve repair may be undertaken as early as 3-6 months of age with the potential use of an EMG to gather additional details related to the brachial plexus injury. Our surgeons also perform nerve transfers, tendon transfers, muscle transfers, osteotomies, and other secondary surgeries.

Therapy may include home program exercises, aquatic therapy, neuromuscular electrical stimulation, therapeutic taping, orthotic fabrication, and family education as the most important aspect of treatment.

Improved Outcomes for Brachial Plexus Injury Patients

The Brachial Plexus Center at Cincinnati Children's is committed to improving the quality of life for every child.

A brachial plexus injury is a life-long condition and has a profound effect on daily function and overall quality of life. The multidisciplinary care provided through our center has improved outcomes for children. Early evaluation and intervention for children with a brachial plexus injury help assure the fullest level of function.

Evidence-Based Care for Brachial Plexus Injuries

At Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, we practice evidence-based pediatric care. This means the care and treatment we provide to our patients and families is based on the best scientific information and medical practices.

Practicing evidenced-based care ensures:

Unnecessary tests or procedures are not performed
Patients receive more consistent, reliable care
Shorter lengths of stay in the hospital
Patients experience the best possible outcomes

Family-Centered Care

The Brachial Plexus Center at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center believes in the comprehensive, compassionate and respectful care of every patient and family. Our entire team is sensitive to the emotional and physical needs of those we treat. Per our ongoing surveys, patients and their families report a 97% satisfaction rating for the care received.

Cincinnati Children's also offers many on-site facilities such as the Family Resource Center and Guest Services which are available to provide additional assistance.

Commitment to Brachial Plexus Research

The Brachial Plexus Center at Cincinnati Children's is actively involved in clinical research to advance the quality and effectiveness of care of children with brachial plexus injuries. We are pleased to have an active research program.

Our research includes:

Laboratory basic science research focusing on the growth of muscles and the preservation of muscle tissue
Multiple clinical studies related to surgical outcomes, testing, and additional interventions
Participation in two multi-center studies working with colleagues at other facilities.

Your Partner in Care

Consistent communication is maintained with the referring physician regarding the health and progress of each patient placed under our care. The Brachial Plexus Center's medical team also helps facilitate coordinated care for each child by writing referrals for specific therapies or treatment and communicating with the local caregivers providing the recommended services.