Treatment approach to shoulder internal rotation deformity in children with obstetric brachial plexus palsy

Abstract

Introduction. Shoulder internal rotation contracture is the most common deformity affecting the shoulder in patients with obstetric brachial plexus palsy because of the subsequent imbalance of the musculature and the abnormal deforming forces that cause dysplasia of the glenohumeral joint.
 Aim. To assess the effects of tendon transfers in children with shoulder internal rotation deformity due to obstetric brachial plexus palsy.
 Materials and methods. From 2015 to 2017, we examined and treated 15 patients with shoulder internal rotation deformity caused by obstetric brachial plexus palsy. The children ranged in age from 4 to 17 years. We used clinical and radiographic examination methods, including magnetic resonance imaging, electromyography, and electroneuromyography, of the upper limbs.
 Results. According to the level of plexus brachialis injury, the patients were divided into 3 groups: level С5–С6 (9 patients), level C5–C7 (5 children), level С5–Th1 (1 patient). All children had secondary shoulder deformities: glenohumeral dysplasia type II, 6 (40%); type III, 5 (34%); type IV, 1 (6%); and type V, 3 (20%). The Mallet score was used for estimation of upper limb function. Surgical treatment was performed in 15 children. After treatment, all patients showed improvement in activities of daily living.
 Conclusion. Tendon transfers in patients with shoulder internal rotation deformities due to obstetric brachial plexus palsy improved upper limb function and provided satisfactory cosmetic treatment results without of remodeling of the glenohumeral joint.