Surgical procedure to restore shoulder external rotation in post-traumatic brachial plexus lesions in adults

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ph. Valenti
Keyword(s):  
Brachial Plexus ◽  
Surgical Procedure ◽  
External Rotation ◽  
Post Traumatic ◽  
Shoulder External Rotation

Nerve graft versus nerve transfer for neonatal brachial plexus: shoulder outcomes

2021 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 87-92
Author(s):  
Brandon W. Smith ◽  
Kate W. C. Chang ◽  
Sravanthi Koduri ◽  
Lynda J. S. Yang
Keyword(s):  
Brachial Plexus ◽  
Clinical Data ◽  
External Rotation ◽  
Nerve Transfer ◽  
Shoulder Function ◽  
Nerve Transfers ◽  
Shoulder Flexion ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Transfer Strategies ◽  
Shoulder External Rotation

OBJECTIVEThe decision-making in neonatal brachial plexus palsy (NBPP) treatment continues to have many areas in need of clarification. Graft repair was the gold standard until the introduction of nerve transfer strategies. Currently, there is conflicting evidence regarding outcomes in patients with nerve grafts versus nerve transfers in relation to shoulder function. The objective of this study was to further define the outcomes for reconstruction strategies in NBPP with a specific focus on the shoulder.METHODSA cohort of patients with NBPP and surgical repairs from a single center were reviewed. Demographic and standard clinical data, including imaging and electrodiagnostics, were gathered from a clinical database. Clinical data from physical therapy evaluations, including active and passive range of motion, were examined. Statistical analysis was performed on the available data.RESULTSForty-five patients met the inclusion criteria for this study, 19 with graft repair and 26 with nerve transfers. There were no significant differences in demographics between the two groups. Understandably, there were no patients in the nerve grafting group with preganglionic lesions, resulting in a difference in lesion type between the cohorts. There were no differences in preoperative shoulder function between the cohorts. Both groups reached statistically significant improvements in shoulder flexion and shoulder abduction. The nerve transfer group experienced a significant improvement in shoulder external rotation, from −78° to −28° (p = 0.0001), whereas a significant difference was not reached in the graft group. When compared between groups, there appeared to be a trend favoring nerve transfer in shoulder external rotation, with the graft patients improving by 17° and the transfer patients improving by 49° (p = 0.07).CONCLUSIONSIn NBPP, patients with shoulder weakness experience statistically significant improvements in shoulder flexion and abduction after graft repair or nerve transfer, and patients with nerve transfers additionally experience significant improvement in external rotation. With regard to shoulder external rotation, there appear to be some data supporting the use of nerve transfers.

Nerve Transfer Is Superior to Nerve Grafting for Suprascapular Nerve Reconstruction in Obstetrical Brachial Plexus Birth Injury: A Meta-Analysis

Hand ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 155894472110306
Author(s):  
Kevin J. Nickel ◽  
Alexander Morzycki ◽  
Ralph Hsiao ◽  
Michael J. Morhart ◽  
Jaret L. Olson
Keyword(s):  
Brachial Plexus ◽  
Brachial Plexus Injury ◽  
External Rotation ◽  
Nerve Transfer ◽  
Suprascapular Nerve ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Nerve Grafting ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Optimal Method ◽  
Shoulder External Rotation

Background Restoration of shoulder function in obstetrical brachial plexus injury is paramount. There remains debate as to the optimal method of upper trunk reconstruction. The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that spinal accessory nerve to suprascapular nerve transfer leads to improved shoulder external rotation relative to sural nerve grafting. Methods A systematic review of Medline, EMBASE, EBSCO CINAHL, SCOPUS, Cochrane Library, and TRIP Pro from inception was conducted. Our primary outcome was shoulder external rotation. Results Four studies were included. Nerve transfer was associated with greater shoulder external rotation relative to nerve grafting (mean difference: 0.82 AMS 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.27-1.36, P < .005). Patients undergoing nerve grafting were more likely to undergo a secondary shoulder stabilizing procedure (odds ratio [OR]: 1.27, 95% CI: 0.8376-1.9268). Conclusion In obstetrical brachial plexus injury, nerve transfer is associated with improved shoulder external rotation and a lower rate of secondary shoulder surgery. Level of Evidence Level III; Therapeutic

Latissimus Dorsi Transfer for External Rotation Weakness of the Shoulder in Obstetric Brachial Plexus Palsy

2003 ◽  
Vol 28 (5) ◽  
pp. 405-408 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. M. Al-QATTAN
Keyword(s):  
Brachial Plexus ◽  
Latissimus Dorsi ◽  
External Rotation ◽  
Skeletal Development ◽  
Shoulder Abduction ◽  
Brachial Plexus Palsy ◽  
Obstetric Brachial Plexus Palsy ◽  
Latissimus Dorsi Transfer ◽  
Obstetric Brachial Plexus ◽  
Shoulder External Rotation

This report describes the results of latissimus dorsi transfer for weakness of shoulder external rotation in 12 children with obstetric brachial plexus palsy. Selection criteria for the muscle transfer procedure included good passive external rotation of the shoulder, normal skeletal development of the shoulder joint, and adequate power of the deltoid. In addition to measuring the ranges of motion of joints before and after surgery, a modified Mallet grading system was utilized for the functional assessment of shoulder external rotation. At a mean follow-up of 4 years, two of the 12 children had recurrence of the shoulder deformity. In the remaining 10 children, the mean active external rotation was 30° (range, 20–60°), mean shoulder abduction was 140° (range, 90–170°), and all children had achieved a modified Mallet score of 4.

Single Versus Double Tendon Transfer to Improve Shoulder External Rotation During the Treatment of Brachial Plexus Birth Palsy

Hand ◽  
2020 ◽  
pp. 155894472091121
Author(s):  
Joshua M. Abzug ◽  
Elie Miller ◽  
Alexandria L. Case ◽  
Danielle A. Hogarth ◽  
Dan A. Zlotolow ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Brachial Plexus ◽  
Internal Rotation ◽  
Tendon Transfer ◽  
External Rotation ◽  
Significant Loss ◽  
Tendon Transfers ◽  
Brachial Plexus Birth Palsy ◽  
Shoulder External Rotation ◽  
Birth Palsy ◽  
Single Versus

Background: Tendon transfers are commonly performed in patients with brachial plexus birth palsy (BPBP) to improve function. Transferring 2 tendons in patients with C5-7 injury has the potential complication of loss of midline function. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether a single tendon transfer (1TT) as opposed to the traditional double tendon transfer (2TT) resulted in any differences in functional outcomes in patients with C5-7 BPBP. Methods: A retrospective review of all patients with C5-7 BPBP who underwent tendon transfers to improve shoulder external rotation over a 5-year period was performed at 2 institutions. Outcomes were assessed using the modified Mallet (MM) classification scores. Results: Twenty-two C5-7 patients had complete records of preoperative and postoperative MM scores, including 11 sex-matched patients in both the 1TT and 2TT groups. When comparing preoperative and postoperative MM categories, there were significant improvements in both the 1TT and 2TT groups for global abduction ( P < .05 and P < .01, respectively) and external rotation ( P < .00001 for both). Modified Mallet (MM) hand to neck scores were significantly improved in the 2TT group ( P < .05) but not in the 1TT group ( P = .053). Internal rotation scores significantly decreased in both groups ( P < .001). Both groups demonstrated significant increases in total scores from the preoperative MM scores ( P < .01). Conclusion: The 1TT and 2TT procedures result in substantial gains in upper extremity functions for patients with C5-7 BPBP as measured by the MM score, specifically within the global abduction and external rotation subcategories. However, a significant loss occurs in internal rotation for both groups.

Contralateral lower trapezius transfer for restoration of shoulder external rotation in traumatic brachial plexus palsy: a preliminary report and literature review

2013 ◽  
Vol 39 (8) ◽  
pp. 861-867 ◽  
Author(s):  
N. G. Satbhai ◽  
K. Doi ◽  
Y. Hattori ◽  
S. Sakamoto
Keyword(s):  
Brachial Plexus ◽  
Glenohumeral Joint ◽  
External Rotation ◽  
Donor Site ◽  
Nerve Transfer ◽  
Shoulder Function ◽  
No Donor ◽  
Nerve Transfers ◽  
Shoulder External Rotation ◽  
Lower Trapezius

The importance of external rotation of the shoulder is well accepted. Patients with inadequate recovery of shoulder function after nerve transfers for a brachial plexus injury have difficulty in using their reconstructed limb. The options for secondary procedures to improve shoulder function are often limited, especially if the spinal accessory nerve has been used earlier for nerve transfer or as a donor nerve for a free functioning muscle transfer. We have used the contralateral lower trapezius transfer to the infraspinatus in three cases, to restore shoulder external rotation. All patients had significant improvement in shoulder external rotation (mean 97°; range 80°–110°) and improved disability of the arm, shoulder and hand scores. The rotation occurred mainly at the glenohumeral joint, and was independent of the donor side. All patients were greatly satisfied with the outcome. Contralateral lower trapezius transfer appears to help in overall improvement of shoulder function by stabilizing the scapula. The results have remained stable after mean follow-up of 58 months (range 12–86). No donor site deficit was seen in any patient.

Obstetric Brachial Plexus Palsy in Newborn Babies of Diabetic and Non-Diabetic Mothers

2010 ◽  
Vol 35 (5) ◽  
pp. 362-365 ◽  
Author(s):  
M.M. Al-Qattan ◽  
A.A.F. El-Sayed ◽  
A.Y. Al-Zahrani ◽  
S.A. Al-Mutairi ◽  
M.S. Al-Harbi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Brachial Plexus ◽  
Spontaneous Recovery ◽  
External Rotation ◽  
Elbow Flexion ◽  
Motor Power ◽  
Brachial Plexus Palsy ◽  
Obstetric Brachial Plexus Palsy ◽  
Obstetric Brachial Plexus ◽  
Shoulder External Rotation ◽  
Diabetic Mothers

Compared to non-diabetic mothers, diabetic mothers are known to deliver larger babies who are at higher risk for shoulder dystocia and obstetric brachial plexus palsy. The intrapartum forces applied during delivery of larger babies are expected to be higher. Hence, the chances of these babies for good spontaneous recovery are expected to be lower; and this is a generally believed hypothesis. The objective of this retrospective study was to compare obstetric brachial plexus palsy in newborn babies of diabetic and non-diabetic mothers. There were a total of 655 cases of obstetric palsy: 253 cases with diabetic mothers and 402 with non-diabetic mothers. The former were more likely to develop total palsy while the latter were more likely to develop extended Erb’s palsy. Newborn babies of diabetic mothers had significantly larger birth weights than those of non-diabetic mothers regardless of the type of palsy. The rate of good spontaneous recovery of the motor power of the limb in the two groups was not significantly different except in total palsy cases for shoulder external rotation and elbow flexion where the recovery was significantly better in the diabetic group. It was concluded that the generally believed hypothesis is not correct if one compares the outcome in the diabetic and non-diabetic groups for each type of palsy.

scholarly journals Obstetric Brachial Plexus Palsy: The Mallet Grading System for Shoulder Function—Revisited

2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-3 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. M. Al-Qattan ◽  
A. A. F. El-Sayed
Keyword(s):  
Brachial Plexus ◽  
External Rotation ◽  
Shoulder Function ◽  
Shoulder Abduction ◽  
Grading System ◽  
Brachial Plexus Palsy ◽  
Older Children ◽  
Obstetric Brachial Plexus Palsy ◽  
Obstetric Brachial Plexus ◽  
Shoulder External Rotation

The Mallet grading system is a commonly used functional scoring system to assess shoulder abduction/external rotation deficits in children with obstetric brachial plexus palsy. One feature of the Mallet score is that each grade is translated into certain degrees of deficiencies in both shoulder abduction and external rotation. The aim of the current study is to investigate the percentage of children in which the Mallet score could not be applied because of a discrepancy between the deficiency of shoulder abduction and shoulder external rotation. The study group included 50 consecutive unoperated older children (over 5 years of age) with Erb’s palsy and deficits in shoulder movements. The Mallet score could be applied in 40 cases (80%). In the remaining 10 cases (20%), the Mallet score could not be applied either because shoulder abduction had a better grade than the grade of shoulder external rotation (n=7) or vice versa (n=3). It was concluded that documenting the deficits in shoulder abduction and external rotation are best done separately and this can be accomplished by using other grading systems.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document