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Published in: Archives of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery 12/2010

01-12-2010 | Orthopaedic Surgery

Soft tissue rebalancing procedures with and without internal rotation osteotomy for shoulder deformity in children with persistent obstetric brachial plexus palsy

Authors: Marcin Sibiński, Marek Synder

Published in: Archives of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery | Issue 12/2010

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Abstract

Introduction

Children with obstetric brachial plexus palsy (OBPP) frequently have problems related to their shoulder. The aim of the investigation was to determine our results in treating shoulder deformity with tendon transfers and soft tissue releases with and without internal rotational osteotomy. We also evaluated the relationships between neurological status, age and selected clinical parameters.

Materials and methods

We reviewed data of 25 patients (12 girls) after latissimus dorsi and teres major tendon transfers to the rotator cuff. Internal rotation osteotomy was performed in ten children. The mean age of patients at the time of operation was 3.2 years (range from 10 months to 7.7 years).

Result

Patients were followed up for a mean of 3.8 years (minimum 2 years). Mallet score improved 4.7 points at last follow-up (p = 0.00002). No patient had shoulder function deterioration. Active and passive external rotation increased significantly after operation: p < 0.00001, p < 0.00001, respectively. Statistically significant reduction in active internal rotation was noted (p = 0.04). The other movements have not statistically changed after operation. Active internal rotation difference after internal rotation osteotomy was significantly better than without osteotomy (p = 0.03). Neurological involvement and age had neither positive nor negative influence on final range of motion and outcome.

Conclusions

Soft tissue rebalancing procedures significantly improve shoulder function in children with persistent OBPP. Addition of internal rotational osteotomy to muscle transfers for severe cases allows maintaining of stabile joint, prevents loosening of internal rotation and does not influence other movements of the shoulder.
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Metadata
Title
Soft tissue rebalancing procedures with and without internal rotation osteotomy for shoulder deformity in children with persistent obstetric brachial plexus palsy
Authors
Marcin Sibiński
Marek Synder
Publication date
01-12-2010
Publisher
Springer-Verlag
Published in
Archives of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery / Issue 12/2010
Print ISSN: 0936-8051
Electronic ISSN: 1434-3916
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00402-010-1067-6

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