ABSTRACT
ABSTRACT Objective To establish the correlation between clinical evaluation of motor function recovery and daily living activities in 30 patients with upper traumatic brachial plexus injury submitted to surgery. Methods The score of the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaire and the Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center (LSUHSC) scale were determined in 30 patients. Epidemiologic factors were also examined and correlations were determined. Results There was a significant correlation between the clinical evaluation and the daily living activities after a 12-month period (r = 0.479 and p = 0.007). A direct correlation was observed between the functional recovery of the upper limb and the time between injury and surgery (r = 0.554 and p = 0.001). The LSUHSC scores (p = 0.049) and scores from the DASH questionnaire (p = 0.013) were better among patients who returned to work. Conclusions Clinical evaluation and daily living activities in adult patients who underwent nerve transfer after brachial plexus injury showed significant and measurable improvements.
RESUMO Objetivo Avaliar a correlação entre a avaliação clínica e as atividades de vida diária em 30 paciente adultos com lesão do plexo braquial superior. Métodos O valor do questionário Dash (Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand) e da escala Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center (LSUHSC) foram quantificados prospectivamente em 30 pacientes. Fatores epidemiológicos foram também examinados e correlações específicas determinadas. Resultados Houve correlação significativa entre avaliação clínica e as atividades de vida diária 12 meses após a cirurgia (r = 0.479 e p = 0.007). Uma correlação direta foi observada entre a recuperação funcional do membro superior e o tempo entre a lesão e a cirurgia (r = 0.554 e p = 0.001). Os valores da escala LSUHSC (p = 0.049) e do DASH (p = 0.013) foram melhores entre aqueles que retornaram ao trabalho. Conclusões A avaliação clínica e as atividades de vida diária em pacientes submetidos à cirurgia de transferência de nervos após lesão do plexo braquial mostraram correlação significativa.