Ten scapulothoracic arthrodesis procedures were performed in six patients w
ith facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy in order to improve considerably
restricted activities of daily living. Four of these procedures were bilat
eral. The duration of follow-up ranged from 28 to 120 months. All patients
reported improved function in activities of daily living. Active shoulder a
bduction was improved by an average of 44 degrees. and active flexion incre
ased by 56 degrees. There was no deterioration in improved upper limb funct
ion with time. Complications included pneumothorax, atelectasis, pleural ef
fusion and re-exploration for a segment of retained drain. (C) 1998 Elsevie
r Science B.V. AU rights reserved.