Table 1.

Narakas classification of brachial plexus injury based on clinical observations and expected typical recoveries

Group	Newborn clinical presentation	Typical Recovery
1	Absence of abduction, external rotation, elbow flexion, forearm supination	Recovery begins within 1 month; full recovery by 4–6 months
2	Similar to group 1 with weaker active elbow extension	≥ 1 month before recovery if shoulder and elbow flexion, steady improvement but likely development of contractures that limit motion
3	Fail shoulder, absence of elbow flexion, weak extension, flexed wrist, closed fist	Slow partial recovery of up to 15 months; weak, limited function and secondary deformities likely
4	Flail extremity, half-open hand, little finger movement	Poor shoulder function; arm rests in abduction, elbow flexion, internal rotation, supinated forearm; absence of external rotation