Elbow Flexion Contracture Research Articles

Brachioradialis Flap for Coverage After Elbow Flexion Contracture Release

Release of a chronic elbow flexion contracture such as that seen in spastic or congenital conditions may result in an anterior soft tissue defect that leaves the antecubital neurovascular structures exposed. Although the skin defect can most often be managed by local rotation or transposition flaps, protection of the deep structures requires more than a skin graft or thin flaps. The brachioradialis muscle is a secondary flexor of the elbow. With planning at the outset of the procedure, the brachioradialis muscle can provide adequate surface area for coverage of the deep neurovascular structures. It has a robust vascular anatomy that can support a skin paddle if necessary, and there is minimal functional morbidity when it is removed. We find this technique to be a useful strategy to simplify wound closure in the antecubital fossa.

The Mechanism of Acute Elbow Flexion Contracture in Children With Congenital Proximal Radioulnar Synostosis

We have evaluated and treated 3 cases of acute onset elbow flexion contracture in children ranging in age from 6 to 13 years, with type-IV (Cleary and Omer) congenital proximal radioulnar synostosis. All were resolved by manipulative traction under general anesthesia during which an audible elbow "snap" was noted. Two of the cases required surgical treatment of a deformed radial head with good results after a 2 to 4-year follow-up. Our clinical radiographic and intraoperative evidence suggests that the acute onset fixed-flexion contracture results from an anterosuperiorly overgrown dislocated radial head becoming trapped under hypertrophied annular ligament-type tissue after elbow hyperflexion. Excision of the dislocated radial head after release from its entrapment was effective in 2 of the 3 patients in this report, and should be considered.

Correction of Elbow Flexion Contracture in Late Obstetric Brachial Plexus Palsy Through Arthrodiatasis of the Elbow (Ioannina Method)

Inadequate elbow extension is a recognized sequela after obstetric brachial plexus injury because of muscle imbalance and adversely affects the ability to perform sufficiently most daily living activities. The various methods that have been used to correct this deformity do not offer a satisfactory outcome in the long term and show a tendency for gradual recurrence. We present a new technique of a closed gradual arthrodiatasis using a unilateral hinged elbow external fixator. The technique was applied in 10 patients with elbow flexion contracture as a sequela of brachial plexus birth palsy. Loss of elbow extension measured 55 degrees at average. With a mean device application of 8.8 weeks all patients gained full elbow extension. No major complications were noted. All patients were satisfied with the outcome. This novel technique (closed gradual arthrodiatasis of the elbow joint) has a definite role in the treatment of elbow flexion contracture in late cases of obstetric palsy, given the otherwise limited surgical options.

Cornelia de Lange Syndrome with NIPBL Gene Mutation: A Case Report

Cornelia de Lange Syndrome (CdLS) is a multiple congenital anomaly characterized by distinctive facial features, upper limb malformations, growth and cognitive retardation. The diagnosis of the syndrome is based on the distinctive clinical features. The etiology is still not clear. Mutations in the sister chromatid cohesion factor genes NIPBL, SMC1A (also called SMC1L1) and SMC3 have been suggested as probable cause of this syndrome. We experienced a case of newborn with CdLS showing bushy eyebrows and synophrys, long curly eyelashes, long philtrum, downturned angles of the mouth and thin upper lips, cleft palate, micrognathia, excessive body hair, micromelia of both hands, flexion contracture of elbows and hypertonicity. We detected a NIPBL gene mutation in a present neonate with CdLS, the first report in Korea.

Serial Casting and Splinting of Elbow Contractures in Children With Obstetric Brachial Plexus Palsy

Elbow flexion contractures are a common sequela in obstetric brachial plexus palsy. The etiology and best management of these contractures is unclear. Nonsurgical treatment involving serial casting and splinting is supported in the literature. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of serial casting and splinting of elbow flexion contractures in children with obstetric brachial plexus palsy. A retrospective review of children with obstetric brachial plexus palsy who participated in serial casting and splinting for an elbow flexion contracture was conducted. Elbow extension passive range of motion measurements at initial, best-achieved, and final outcome were compared. Nineteen patients, aged 2 to 16 years, were studied. Elbow passive range of motion improved from initial to best-achieved and final outcome measurements. Fifty-three percent of patients were noncompliant between the time of best-achieved and final outcome. Loss of passive range of motion during the noncompliant period was statistically significant. Compliant patients had better treatment results. A clinical decision tree for elbow contractures in obstetric brachial plexus palsy was formulated. Serial casting and splinting of elbow contractures in children with obstetric brachial plexus palsy is effective. Successful maintenance of treatment effects is dependent on patient age and compliance. Therapeutic IV.

Elbow Flexion after Primary Reconstruction in Obstetric Brachial Plexus Palsy

Fifty-two children (54 upper extremities) with obstetric brachial plexus palsy who underwent primary reconstruction for elbow flexion restoration were studied. The outcomes were analysed in relation to the type of brachial plexus lesion, timing of surgery, and the type of reconstruction. Overall, 42 of 54 extremities (78%) achieved good and excellent results (> or =M3+). The average postoperative muscle grading for the biceps was 3.7 (SD 0.8), and the average postoperative active elbow flexion was 108 degrees (SD 33 degrees ). The average elbow flexion contracture was 18 degrees (SD 21 degrees ). The timing of surgery and the type of the brachial plexus injury significantly influenced the final outcome. The best results were seen in early cases (< or =3 months), where the lateral cord was reconstructed from intraplexus donors. In this group, minimal flexion contracture deformity was observed. Late reconstruction (> or =7 months) of the musculocutaneous nerve resulted in inferior results.

Secondary Procedures for Elbow Flexion Restoration in Late Obstetric Brachial Plexus Palsy

Even though total absence of elbow flexion in obstetric brachial plexus palsy (OBPP) is rare, weakness is a frequent problem. Numerous procedures for elbow flexion restoration in late obstetric brachial plexus palsy have been described. In this study, children with OBPP who underwent secondary reconstruction for elbow flexion restoration were studied. A retrospective review of 15 patients (16 elbows) who underwent 16 pedicled and eight free-muscle transfers for elbow flexion restoration was conducted. The mean follow-up period was 8.4 ± 2.9years (range, 25months to 12.2years). The mean age at operation (elbow surgery) was 5.4 ± 1.9years. The total arc of elbow motion was the result of the active elbow flexion less the flexion contracture. There was significant improvement in biceps muscle power from an average grading of 2.49 ± 0.80 preoperatively to 3.64 ± 0.46 postoperatively (p < 0.001). Thirteen of 16 elbows (81%) achieved good and excellent results (≥M3+); and three elbows (19%) fair results (M3- or M3). The average arc of motion was significantly improved from 36° ± 25° preoperatively to 94° ± 26° postoperatively (p < 0.001). The preoperative and postoperative average elbow flexion contracture was 10.9° ± 8.9° and 20° ± 12.2°, respectively. Pedicled and/or free-muscle transfers can significantly improve elbow flexion in late obstetric brachial plexus palsy. Choice of the procedure should be individualized and determined on the basis of the type of paralysis, availability of donor muscles, previous reconstruction, and experience of the surgeon.

Therapy of Collagen VI-Related Myopathies (Bethlem and Ullrich)

The collagen VI-related myopathies comprise two major forms, Bethlem myopathy (BM) and Ullrich congenital muscular dystrophy (UCMD), which show a variable combination of muscle wasting and weakness, joint contractures, distal laxity, and respiratory compromise. Specific diagnosis requires molecular genetic testing showing mutation in one of the three genes involved. This review summarizes current treatments, in particular indication for physiotherapy, orthopedic treatment for correction of foot deformity, scoliosis, and flexion contractures of elbows, and treatment of respiratory failure. The turning point in basic research on collagen VI myopathies was the discovery of an unexpected mitochondrial dysfunction as a pathogenetic mechanism underlying the myopathic syndrome seen in Col6a1 null mice. Treatment of Col6a1(-/-) mice with cyclosporin A (CsA) rescued the mitochondrial dysfunction and decreased apoptosis. Similar mitochondrial defects were revealed in cultures of UCMD patients. The results of an open pilot trial with CsA in five patients with collagen VI-related myopathies are summarized and discussed. With the availability of new potential effective treatments, several challenges must be addressed in conducting trials in orphan diseases and in neuromuscular disorders in particular. Outcome measures are discussed in the context of the expected effect of the cure. Randomized clinical trials often are not feasible for rare diseases, and sometimes would be ethically inappropriate. The need to develop alternative outcome measures or biomarkers using platforms such as genomics and proteomics is stressed in this context.

Serial casting versus positioning for the treatment of elbow contractures in adults with traumatic brain injury: a randomized controlled trial

Objective: To compare the effects of serial casting with positioning for 1 hour per day for the treatment of elbow flexion contracture in adults with traumatic brain injury. Design: Pragmatic randomized controlled trial with concealed allocation and assessor blinding. Setting: Four brain injury rehabilitation units. Subjects: Twenty-six adults with elbow flexion contracture after traumatic brain injury participating in multidisciplinary inpatient rehabilitation. Interventions: Subjects were randomized to receive either serial casting or positioning for two weeks. In the subsequent four weeks subjects could be positioned for up to 1 hour/day. Main measures: Torque-controlled passive elbow extension was measured at baseline, post-intervention (two weeks), post-intervention plus one day, and at follow-up (four weeks post-intervention). Results: All 26 subjects completed the study. Post-intervention, serial casting reduced contracture by an average of 22 degrees (95% confidence interval (CI) 13 to 31; P <0.001) compared with the positioning group. One day later this effect had decreased to 11 degrees (95% CI 0 to 21 degrees; P= 0.052). The effect had almost completely disappeared at the four-week follow-up (mean 2 degrees, 95% CI -13 to 17; P= 0.782). Conclusions: Serial casting induces transient increases in range of motion. These effects are not maintained.

Management of obstetrical brachial plexus palsy with early plexus microreconstruction and late muscle transfers

Birth brachial plexus injury usually affects the upper roots. In most cases, spontaneous reinnervation occurs in a variable degree. This aberrant reinnervation leaves characteristic deformities of the shoulder, elbow, forearm, wrist, and hand. Common sequelae are the internal rotation and adduction deformity of the shoulder, elbow flexion contractures, forearm supination deformity, and lack of wrist extension and finger flexion. Nowadays, the strategy in the management of obstetrical brachial plexus palsy focuses in close follow-up of the baby up to 3-6 months and if there are no signs of recovery, microsurgical repair is indicated. Nonetheless, palliative surgery consisting of an ensemble of secondary procedures is used to further improve the overall function of the upper extremity in patients who present late or fail to improve after primary management. These secondary procedures include transfers of free vascularized and neurotized muscles. We present and discuss our experience in treating early and/or late obstetrical palsies utilizing the above-mentioned microsurgical strategy and review the literature on the management of brachial plexus birth palsy.

Forearm rotational profile in obstetric brachial plexus injury

Children with obstetric brachial plexus palsy (OBPP) most commonly have weakness of supination. There is little previous information on later progress of forearm rotation movements, although severe supination contracture has been reported in a small proportion of children. The aims of this study were to evaluate forearm rotation after initial recovery from OBPP, to define the relationship with the severity of disease, and to assess which factors might limit rotation. Measurements of active and passive pronation and supination were recorded in 56 children (37 boys and 19 girls) who had had OBPP and did not have full recovery. The mean age was 8 years (minimum, 2.5 years). Care was taken to measure forearm rotation in isolation from shoulder movements. According to the Narakas classification for severity of the original brachial plexus lesion, there were 23 group I cases, 16 group II cases, 11 group III cases, and 6 group IV cases. Twenty-one children underwent reconstructive procedures for shoulder deformity. Mallet scores for shoulder function were available for all patients. Overall pronation was more limited than supination. Active movements were more limited than passive movements. Active pronation was less than normal in 48 children, active supination was less than normal in 36, passive pronation was less than normal in 22, and passive supination was less than normal in 9. Active pronation and active and passive supination were significantly limited in children with worse Mallet scores and in Narakas group IV children. Both active supination and passive supination were decreased in children with more severe elbow flexion contractures. No significant relationship was found between forearm rotation movements and the time of biceps recovery. Many children have persisting limitation of forearm rotation after OBPP. Despite the initial weakness of supination, pronation is more often reduced in the longer term. Patients with more severe OBPP and poorer recovery of shoulder function have greater limitation of forearm rotation.

Muscle changes in brachial plexus birth injury with elbow flexion contracture: an MRI study

Muscle pathology of the arm and forearm in brachial plexus birth injury (BPBI) with elbow flexion contracture has not been evaluated with MRI. To determine whether limited range of motion of the elbow in BPBI is correlated with specific patterns of muscular pathology. For 15 BPBI patients, total active motion (TAM) of the elbow (extension-flexion) and the forearm (pronation-supination) were measured. MRI of the elbow joints and musculature allowed assessment of elbow congruency. Fatty infiltration and size reduction of the muscles were graded semiquantitatively. Mean TAM of the elbow was 113 degrees (50 degrees-140 degrees) and that of the forearm 91 degrees (10 degrees-165 degrees). The greater the size reduction of the brachioradialis muscle, the more diminished was elbow TAM. The more extensive the BPBI and muscle pathology of the pronator teres muscle, the more limited was the TAM of the forearm. Pathology of the supinator and brachialis muscles was evident in every patient. Extensive BPBI may result in marked limitation of TAM. Elbow flexion contracture seems to be caused mainly by brachialis muscle pathology. Prosupination of the forearm is better preserved when the pronator teres is not severely affected. MRI can reliably show the extent of muscle pathology in BPBI.

Steroid-responsive nephrotic syndrome in a patient with nail-patella syndrome

Nail-patella syndrome (NPS) is a rare disorder with autosomal dominant mode of inheritance. We report a child with NPS and steroid-responsive, frequently relapsing nephrotic syndrome. The child had dystrophic nails, flexion contractures of both elbows and normal renal functions. X-rays of the knees and pelvis showed hypoplastic patellae and iliac horns. Renal histology was unremarkable with mild focal increase in mesangial cellularity compatible with minimal change disease. Ultrastructural features of NPS including thickening of the glomerular basement membrane with electron-lucent areas were not found.

Secondary reanimation procedures in late obstetrical brachial plexus palsy patients

The varying degrees of spontaneous reinnervation that occur in untreated obstetrical brachial plexus palsy leave characteristic deformities of the shoulder, elbow, forearm, wrist, and hand. Common sequelae are internal rotation and adduction deformity of the shoulder, elbow flexion contractures, forearm supination deformity, and lack of wrist extension and finger flexion. Early microsurgical reconstruction of the affected plexus leads to a more rewarding overall function of the upper arm, but residual deformities might appear later which are similar, although less serious, than those observed in untreated cases. Secondary procedures of the shoulder, elbow, forearm, and hand will improve the appearance and function of the upper extremity in late cases of obstetrical brachial plexus. Careful preoperative planning is mandatory and a multistage approach should be applied, depending on the type of palsy and the age of the patient.

The propeller flap for postburn elbow contractures

Flexion contracture of the elbow is a common sequela of burn injury. Numerous methods have been suggested for release, including grafting, Z-plasty, Y-V flaps, local or distant fasciocutaneous flaps, muscle or myocutaneous flaps, free flaps, tissue expanders and non-surgical orthotics. In this article the authors present their experience with the propeller flap method in seven cases of elbow flexion contracture. Sufficient extension and an acceptable aesthetic outcome were obtained. Other benefits include easy design and rapid flap elevation that permits a single stage correction of the deformity without further sacrificing an artery or muscle. We think that the main disadvantage of the propeller flap is using the same skin that has suffered from the burn insult which has a poorer cosmetic result. Other than this and excluding deep burn injuries, we believe that the propeller flap is a useful alternative for elbow contracture release.

Operative Lengthening of the Humerus

The purpose of this study was to determine the benefits and risks of humeral lengthening procedures. Distraction osteogenesis was performed in 19 humeri on 16 patients (9 males, 7 females). The mean age at the time of lengthening was 11.5 years (range 3-24 years) and average follow-up was 8.7 years (range 2-21 years). Etiologies for short humeri included infection in six patients, congenital anomaly in six patients, unicameral bone cysts involving the physis in five patients, and posttraumatic growth disturbance in two patients. The average lengthening was 5 cm. The benefits from humeral lengthening include increased performance in daily activities, improved sports performance, and significantly better self-image. Complications included temporary radial nerve palsy in three cases, drainage from the pin tracts in two cases, elbow flexion contracture in three cases, and late humerus fracture in two cases. All the complications resolved over time and did not affect the outcome. Eleven lengthening procedures were not associated with any complications. Although the humerus is surrounded by complex neurovascular structures and muscles, humerus lengthening provided satisfactory results with temporary minor complications.

Elbow Flexion Reconstruction by Steindler Flexorplasty in Obstetric Brachial Plexus Palsy

The results of Steindler flexorplasty in nine patients with obstetric brachial plexus palsy are reported. There were 5 girls and 4 boys with a mean age of 6 (range 2-13) years. Selection criteria for the procedure included strong (at least M4) grip strength and wrist and elbow extension, as well as the presence of the "Steindler effect". Pre-operatively, elbow flexion was rated as M0 or M1 in three patients and M2 in the remaining six patients. Intra-operatively, the detached common flexor origin was advanced 5 to 7 cm and fixation was done to the anterior humerus either with direct suture to the periosteum (in younger children) or suturing into a drill hole in the humerus (in older children). Postoperatively, the elbow was immobilized in flexion and supination for 6 weeks. At a mean follow-up of 5 years, the results in eight patients were good with mean active elbow flexion against resistance of 110 degrees and a mean elbow flexion contracture of 35 degrees. The result in the remaining patient was poor (unsuccessful transfer). It is concluded that the results of the Steindler flexorplasty in obstetric brachial plexus palsy patients are good and reliable, provided patient selection is careful.

Second Shoulder and Elbow Reanimation Procedures in Late Obstetrical Paralysis Patients

Obstetrical brachial plexus palsy invariably involves the upper roots. The natural history of the injury shows that if the condition is left untreated, spontaneous reinnervation that occurs in a variable degree in these patients leaves characteristic deformities of the shoulder and elbow. Common sequelae are the internal rotation and adduction deformity of the shoulder, and elbow flexion contractures. Early microsurgical reconstruction of the affected plexus leads to more rewarding overall function of the shoulder and elbow, but residual deformities might appear again, similar to the ones noticed in untreated cases, that are even less serious. Thus, secondary procedures are mandatory to reanimating the shoulder and elbow, and especially to provide adequate abduction and external rotation of the shoulder and a more neutral appearance of the elbow regarding flexion–extension equilibrium.

Triceps denervation as a predictor of elbow flexion contractures in C5 and C6 tetraplegia

Bryden AM, Kilgore KL, Lind BB, Yu DT. Triceps denervation as a predictor of elbow flexion contractures in C5 and C6 tetraplegia. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2004; 85:1880-5. Objective To determine whether the existence of elbow flexion contractures in persons with C5 or C6 tetraplegia is related to a lack of residual voluntary triceps function and triceps denervation (ie, lower motoneuron damage). Design A retrospective study of impairment data from 74 arms to identify the incidence of elbow flexion contractures and the contributing factors toward this deformity. Setting Five spinal cord injury (SCI) rehabilitation centers in the United States, 1 in England, and 1 in Australia. Participants Forty-three subjects with motor complete C5 or C6 traumatic SCI. Interventions Not applicable. Main outcome measures Active and passive elbow extension, triceps voluntary muscle strength, and triceps response to electric stimulation. Results Subjects with weak voluntary triceps had significantly fewer and less severe elbow flexion contractures than those with paralyzed triceps ( P=.024). Subjects with completely denervated triceps (ie, no response to electric stimulation) had significantly more elbow flexion contractures than subjects with even a weak response to electric stimulation ( P=.003). Overall, 51% of the arms could not be passively extended to zero. Forty-six percent of the arms classified as C5 lacked full passive elbow extension, compared with 63% of the arms classified as C6 ( P=.302). Conclusions A relationship has been found between elbow flexion contractures and lack of residual voluntary triceps and triceps denervation in subjects with C5 or C6 tetraplegia. There should be a greater awareness of the elbow flexion contractures that may develop as a result of this relationship. A better understanding of this deformity and its characteristics can lead to more effective clinical treatment and prevention strategies.

ANTERIOR RELEASE OF THE ELBOW FOR EXTENSION LOSS

There are many causes of elbow contracture. When nonoperative techniques fail to increase the arc of motion of the elbow, surgical intervention may be indicated. The purpose of this study was to report the outcomes of surgical correction, predominantly with an anterior release, of elbow flexion contractures. In addition, we evaluated the efficacy of continuous passive motion in the immediate postoperative period. We retrospectively reviewed the outcomes of 106 consecutive patients who had undergone anterior elbow release for the treatment of a flexion contracture between July 1975 and June 2001. Twenty-nine patients were excluded because they had been followed for less than twelve months, leaving a study group of seventy-seven patients. Postoperatively, fifty-four of the seventy-seven patients were treated with continuous passive motion and the other twenty-three patients were treated with extension splinting. The average duration of follow-up was thirty-three months. The average patient age was thirty-four years. The results were evaluated on the basis of both preoperative and postoperative radiographs as well as clinical measurements of elbow motion, all performed by the same examiner using the same large (47-cm-long) goniometer. The mean preoperative extension in the seventy-seven patients was 52 degrees, which decreased to 20 degrees postoperatively. The mean flexion increased from 111 degrees preoperatively to 117 degrees postoperatively, and the mean total arc of motion increased from 59 degrees to 97 degrees. The total arc of motion in the patients treated with continuous passive motion increased 45 degrees, compared with an increase of 26 degrees in those treated with extension splinting. There were eleven complications in ten patients. The majority were traction neuropathies. There were two infections (one superficial and one deep), both of which resolved following treatment. Release of a pathologically thickened anterior elbow capsule through a predominantly anterior approach to correct diminished elbow extension is a safe and effective technique. Furthermore, compared with splinting in extension alone, the utilization of continuous passive motion during the postoperative period increases the total arc of motion.