Anterior ultrasound approach for evaluating posterior shoulder instability in brachial plexus birth palsy: A novel diagnostic technique

Brachial plexus birth palsy (BPBP) often leads to shoulder deformities, such as posterior subluxation and internal rotation of the humeral head, which can severely impact a patient’s quality of life. Traditional imaging techniques such as magnetic resonance imaging, while effective, often require sedation or anesthesia, limiting their routine use in pediatric patients. This technical note explores using ultrasound as a non-invasive alternative for evaluating and monitoring shoulder deformities in BPBP patients. We introduce a novel ultrasound method that focuses on the alignment of the coracoid process and the humeral head, revealing significant differences between affected and unaffected shoulders. This technique offers a reliable and accessible tool for early diagnosis and intervention, improving outcomes for patients with BPBP-related shoulder deformities.