Surgical treatment and rehabilitation for improving function of shoulder muscle impairment

Abstract

The results of our integrated conservative and operative concept of therapy to compensate insufficient shoulder muscles following brachial plexus palsy or other nerve damages are presented. To improve stability and function of the shoulder in case of deltoid and supraspinatus paralysis 19 patients (3 female; 16 male; average age 37 years, range 17 to 61 years) underwent a shoulder arthrodesis. In 69 patients (12 female; 57 male; average age 31 years, range 19 to 69 years) a trapezius transfer was performed. The indication for a rotation osteotomy of the humerus to improve loss of external rotation due to paralytic infraspinatus muscle was determined in 5 male patients (average age 30 years, range 15 to 42 years). Our results are based upon an average follow-up of 21 (6-70) months after shoulder fusion, 21 (2-68) months after trapezius transfer and 28 (3-62) months after rotation osteotomy of the humerus. The trapezius transfer resulted in increased function of abduction of 6.6 degrees to 35.9 degrees (10 degrees-90 degrees) and forward flexion of 12.6 degrees to 30.9 degrees (5 degrees-85 degrees). A more stable condition of multidirectional shoulder instability was experienced by 64 patients (92.8%), and 65 patients (94.2%) were subjectively satisfied with the outcome of the operation. The strength and extent of functional improvement was, on average, greater following shoulder arthrodesis: abduction 10.3 degrees to 57.4 degrees (20 degrees-80 degrees), forward flexion of 12.6 degrees to 57.1 degrees (20 degrees-105 degrees). 17 patients (89.5%) were subjectively satisfied with the outcome. Patients who had undergone external rotation osteotomy showed an average deficiency of external rotation of 30 degrees before operation. After osteotomy an improvement of 29 degrees to 3 degrees external rotation was achieved. All patients were satisfied with the increase of function. In patients with failed shoulder muscles, particularly after brachial plexus palsy, secondary operations according to the individual pattern of muscle failure result in an improvement of shoulder function and stability, as well as patients' satisfaction. Therefore, adequate conservative treatment before and after reconstructive operations is of great importance.