Duruöz Hand Index in Obstetric Brachial Plexus Palsy

Obstetric brachial plexus palsy (OBPP) arises from perinatal injury to the brachial plexus, resulting in varying degrees of motor and sensory impairment in the upper extremity. While existing assessment instruments primarily target unilateral limb function, they frequently overlook bimanual capabilities, which are essential for functional independence. This study aims to investigate the utility of the Duruöz Hand Index (DHI) as a reliable, valid, and practical instrument for evaluating functional limitations in individuals with OBPP. A cohort of 21 pediatric patients (aged 6-18 years) with OBPP was recruited from a tertiary university hospital in Turkey. Functional assessment included grip and pinch strength, range of motion, and upper extremity performance, measured using the Modified Mallet Classification, Brachial Plexus Outcome Measure (BPOM), Pediatric Outcomes Data Collection Instrument (PODCI), and DHI

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Key information

Conditions

Obstetric Brachial Plexus Injury

Age range

6 year–18 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Observational

Primary location

Istanbul University- Cerrahpasa

Istanbul, Fatih, 34093, Turkey (Türkiye)

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

Aged 6 to 18 years
All diagnosed with OBPP who were followed up at the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation outpatient clinic of a tertiary university hospital in Turkey.

Exclusion criteria

A history of trauma or surgery affecting the function of the affected extremity (other than OBPP)
The presence of systemic diseases that could impair hand function (such as polyneuropathy)
Cognitive impairments that could affect comprehension.

Treatment and study plan

Primary outcomes

Validity and reliability

Time frame: At baseline

The primary outcome measure was the Duruöz Hand Index (DHI), which was investigated to determine whether it can adequately capture impairments in bimanual function during daily activities and provide a comprehensive assessment of functional disability in patients with OBPP. To evaluate the validity of the DHI, its correlations with established outcome measures-including the Modified Mallet Classification, Brachial Plexus Outcome Measure (BPOM), Pediatric Outcomes Data Collection Instrument (PODCI), as well as grip and pinch strength and range of motion-were examined. Reliability was assessed through internal consistency using Cronbach's alpha.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Istanbul University - Cerrahpasa

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Validity and Reliability of the Duruöz Hand Index in Obstetric Brachial Plexus Palsy

Important dates

Study start: 2020
Primary completion: 2022
Study completion: 2022
First posted: Sep 2, 2025
Registry last updated: Sep 2, 2025

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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Completed