Introduction: Despite its high frequency in Africa, obstetric brachial plexus palsy is poorly studied in Senegal, which results in a lack of knowledge about functional limitations and prognostic factors. The objective of our study was to determine the functional abilities and prognostic factors of obstetric brachial plexus palsy in a hospital setting.

Methods: This was a retrospective, cross-sectional, tri-centric study conducted over a period of five years, including children with obstetric brachial plexus palsy (OBPP). Sociodemographic data, OBPP risk factors, therapeutic aspects, and electroneuromyographic findings were initially collected using a questionnaire based on medical records.

Then, the children were recalled for an evaluation of functional abilities using the Mallet scale, and additional information was obtained from their health records.

Results: Forty-seven (47) patients were included, with a mean age of 18 months. Males accounted for 53.2% of the cases. The predominant maternal risk factors were overweight (51.1%) and lack of education (48.9%). Delivery was dystocic in 95.5% of cases.

Duchenne-Erb paralysis was the most frequent type (61.7%) and was neurapraxic in 34% of cases. Functional abilities corresponded to scores 3, 4, and 5 of the Mallet classification. The combination of bandaging and physiotherapy was the most commonly used treatment method (85.1%). The main prognostic factor was the severity of lesions on electroneuromyography (ENMG).

Conclusion: Obstetric brachial plexus palsy remains a relevant obstetric condition, and its functional prognosis largely depends on the severity of the lesions.