O. Ruhmann et al., Reconstructive operations for the paralyzed shoulder in brachial plexus palsy: concept of treatment, INJURY, 30(9), 1999, pp. 609-618
Citations number
42
Categorie Soggetti
Aneshtesia & Intensive Care
Journal title
INJURY-INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF THE CARE OF THE INJURED
Sixty-three patients with persistent brachial plexus palsy underwent a tran
sfer of the trapezius muscle and 14 patients a shoulder arthrodesis. Thirte
en female and 64 male patients were treated with a mean age of 31 yr (17-69
yr). The average follow-up period was 14 months (6-50 months). In all case
s, the trapezius transfer resulted in increased abduction from 6.1 degrees
to an average of 36.4 degrees (20-80 degrees) and forward flexion from 13.8
degrees to an average of 31.9 degrees (10-90 degrees). The multidirectiona
l shoulder instability was improved in 60 patients. Strength and functional
improvement was, on average, greater following shoulder arthrodesis (abduc
tion from 9.6 to 59.3 degrees (40-90 degrees), forward flexion from 11.4 to
50.7 degrees (30-90 degrees)). In patients with brachial plexus palsy, tra
pezius transfer resulted in an improvement of shoulder function and stabili
ty as well as subjectively. The increase in function was, however, less pro
nounced in comparison with shoulder arthrodesis. The advantages of the tran
sfer are the regaining of normal passive function and the shorter duration
of surgery. Shoulder fusion is more suitable for those patients who require
the best possible extent of function and strength in the shoulder. (C) 199
9 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.