Elbow Flexion Contracture Research Articles

Long-Term Outcomes of Biceps Rerouting for Flexible Supination Contractures in Children With Brachial Plexus Birth Injuries

Forearm supination contractures occur in 7% of children with brachial plexus birth injuries (BPBI). Biceps rerouting is proposed when pronation has deteriorated but is passively correctable to at least 0° (neutral). The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate long-term outcomes of biceps rerouting for this indication, including magnitude and maintenance of correction, complications, and subsequent osteotomy. We conducted a retrospective review of all children with BPBI and forearm supination contractures treated with biceps rerouting alone, for the above indications, from 1993 to 2017 with at least 2 years follow-up. Demographic information, BPBI characteristics, surgical details, and ranges of motion were obtained from medical records. Pre- and postoperative active pronation (AP) and supination (AS), elbow flexion contracture, and arc of forearm rotation (Arc) were analyzed using linear mixed-effect models. Twenty-five children (13 females; 13 left forearms; 15 global BPBI) underwent biceps rerouting at age 7 ± 3 years and were followed for 6 ± 3 years. Before surgery, the mean AP and AS were 6° ± 29° and 62° ± 27°, respectively. At the final follow-up, the mean AP, AS, and Arc were 39° ± 36°, 18° ± 34°, and 57° ± 42°, respectively. AP was significantly improved and AS was significantly decreased by 2years after surgery and at the final follow-up. Neither Arc nor elbow flexion contracture changed significantly. Two of 25 (8%) children underwent subsequent forearm osteotomy. Biceps rerouting in children with BPBI improves the forearm position when pronation is deteriorating by shifting the arc from supination to pronation without decreasing the arc of motion or worsening elbow flexion contractures. There is a low risk of complications and a limited need for subsequent forearm osteotomy. These results are maintained over time. When performed before passive pronation is reduced beyond neutral, this procedure may prevent severe supination contractures and reduce the need for forearm osteotomy. Therapeutic IV.

Teaching NeuroImage: Pseudo–Figure-of-4 Sign

A 37-year-old right-handed man with spastic quadriparetic cerebral palsy, congenital hydrocephalus, and anxiety was admitted for seizure characterization with video-EEG monitoring. Neurologic examination demonstrated marked upper extremity spasticity and left elbow flexion contracture. Three habitual focal to bilateral tonic-clonic seizures (Figure 1) were recorded on EEG (Figure 2).

Location of brachial plexus birth injury affects functional outcomes in a rat model.

Brachial plexus birth injury (BPBI) results in shoulder and elbow paralysis with shoulder internal rotation and elbow flexion contracture as frequent sequelae. The purpose of this study was to develop a technique for measuring functional movement and examine the effect of brachial plexus injury location (preganglionic and postganglionic) on functional movement outcomes in a rat model of BPBI, which we achieved through integration of gait analysis with musculoskeletal modeling and simulation. Eight weeks following unilateral brachial plexus injury, sagittal plane shoulder and elbow angles were extracted from gait recordings of young rats (n = 18), after which rats were sacrificed for bilateral muscle architecture measurements. Musculoskeletal models reflecting animal-specific muscle architecture parameters were used to simulate gait and extract muscle fiber lengths. The preganglionic neurectomy group spent significantly less (p = 0.00116) time in stance and walked with significantly less (p < 0.05) elbow flexion and shoulder protraction in the affected limb than postganglionic neurectomy or control groups. Linear regression revealed no significant linear relationship between passive shoulder external rotation and functional shoulder protraction range of motion. Despite significant restriction in longitudinal muscle growth, normalized functional fiber excursions did not differ significantly between groups. In fact, when superimposed on a normalized force-length curve, neurectomy-impaired muscle fibers (except subscapularis) accessed regions of the curve that overlapped with the control group. Our results suggest the presence of compensatory motor control strategies during locomotion following BPBI. The clinical implications of our findings support emphasis on functional movement analysis in treatment of BPBI, as functional and passive outcomes may differ substantially.

Developing a decision aid for youth with brachial plexus birth injuries facing treatment decisions for an elbow flexion contracture.

A common sequela of brachial plexus birth injury (BPBI) is an elbow flexion contracture. Youth with BPBI and their families face rehabilitation or surgical decisions that ideally entail careful deliberation of the risks and benefits of treatment within the context of the child's and family's functional and appearance-related goals. To develop a patient decision aid (PtDA) following International Patient Decision Aid Standards to help these youth and their families make treatment decisions. Mixed-methods study. Brachial plexus clinic in a pediatric tertiary care center. Five young adults (21-24 years), 14 youth (8-19 years) and their parents, 15 families (children 2-16 years), and 19 clinicians from a brachial plexus clinic participated in the PtDA development. Seventeen other youth (8-18 years) facing treatment decisions regarding their elbow contracture field tested the PtDA prototype. Not applicable. In-depth interviews and participant observation to conduct a decisional needs assessment of young adults, youth, parents, and health care professionals involved in these shared decisions. Cognitive interviews to field test the PtDA prototype. Evidence from previously conducted knowledge synthesis and the youth-focused decisional needs assessment qualitative data informed the development of new PtDA prototype, which included a questionnaire-based values clarification method for youth to rate what matters most to them regarding their elbow function, appearance, psychosocial impact, and treatment options. The majority (90%) of youth >11 years who field tested the PtDA prototype understood its content, whereas only 29% of those between 8 and 11 years demonstrated independent comprehension. The majority (69%) responded that they would prefer to use the PtDA on their own either at home or in the clinic waiting room. This new PtDA can be used to help youth with BPBI and their families to make a personal value-based informed decision regarding treatment options for their elbow flexion contracture.

Palsy of elbow extension

Elbow extension palsy is generally well tolerated, because when standing up, it is alleviated by gravity. In the case of trunk paralysis or brachial plexus palsy, standing is possible, thus the restoration of active elbow extension improves the hand’s positioning above the shoulder, and allows the elbow to be locked in extension, which is necessary during certain activities such as cycling. In these palsy cases, the triceps brachii will be reinnervated by nerve transfers if surgery is performed early enough before irreversible atrophy of the effector muscle sets in. In these situations, secondary tendon transfers are rarely indicated. Few available muscles can be harvested without deleterious consequences on the donor site. Finally, in patients with a very deficient upper limb but with a healthy contralateral limb, when nerve transfers are no longer possible, elbow extension will not be restored. In the tetraplegics using a wheelchair, elbow extension becomes essential for positioning the hand in space and for potentiating the transferable muscles to activate the hand. As nerve transfers have rare indications and are currently being validated in this population, palliative tendon transfers are the reference technique. They must be integrated into an overall upper limb reconstructive surgery program that takes into consideration the potentially usable muscles and the presence of elbow flexion contracture and supination deformity of the forearm. Elbow extension restoration techniques are based on the transfer of two muscles, the posterior deltoid and the biceps brachii. The first is very effective and has very specific requirements, notably good anterior stabilization of the shoulder by the pectoralis major, while the second has broader indications, notably in the case of elbow contracture and inability to stabilize the shoulder anteriorly.

Fragment Excision With Flexor-Pronator Mass Repair for Chronic Medial Humeral Epicondyle Nonunions.

Athletes with medial epicondyle nonunions typically present with medial elbow pain, an elbow flexion contracture, and the inability to compete. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcomes of patients who underwent medial epicondyle excision with ulnar collateral ligament and flexor-pronator mass repair for symptomatic medial epicondyle non-unions. Four patients with a mean age of 15 years (range, 11-19 years) diagnosed with symptomatic medial epicondyle nonunions were evaluated. All were treated with medial epicondyle excision with ulnar collateral ligament and flexor-pronator mass repair. Two of the patients were followed for 12 months, whereas the other 2 patients were followed for 18 months. All patients returned to their preinjury level of sports without difficulty. Two patients with preoperative flexion contracture had residual flexion contractures of 4° and 5° postoperatively, respectively, as measured by a goniometer. All other patients regained full elbow motion equal to that of the contralateral extremity at final follow-up. The patients with preoperative ulnar nerve symptoms had complete resolution postoperatively at a mean follow-up of 18 months. In overhead and upper extremity weight-bearing athletes who have symptomatic medial epicondyle nonunions, fragment excision with flexor-pronator mass repair can yield satisfactory results. [Orthopedics. 2021;44(3):e337-e342.].

Corrective Procedure for Flexion Contracture of the Elbow in Neonatal Palsy Sequelae: Long-term Follow-up.

Aim of this paper is to validate a procedure for correcting elbow flexion contracture in patients suffering from brachial plexus neonatal palsy sequelae during their teens. Elbow flexion contracture represents an unsolved problem in the natural history of obstetric brachial plexus palsy (OBPP) because of the consistent deformity recurrence. Following a previous paper, in which an original technique was proposed in a small sample of patients, the authors show the possible correction of the deformity in a larger group of patients. The procedure includes a combination of a posterior approach to the elbow with olecranon tip section and an anterior one with capsulotomy and soft tissue release to improve elbow range of motion. A series of 26 patients, who underwent the procedure, were checked out in medium and long term. Collected data were age, type of brachial plexus palsy, length of hospitalization, duration of surgery, preoperative and postoperative elbow range of motion, preoperative and postoperative DASH scores and satisfaction scores. Explaining further details about the procedure, the Authors report their results, including a statistical analysis. At the final follow-up, the mean increase of elbow extension was about 22°. Functional outcomes were successful as well, with a mean increase of 10 points of DASH score. Over 75% of patients were fully satisfied with their outcome. The outcome has confirmed the good efficacy of the procedure in increasing elbow extension but also in improving cosmetic appearance in adolescents suffering from flexed elbow in OBPP sequelae.

Upper Limb Lengthening in Achondroplasia Using Unilateral External Fixation.

The purpose of this study was to analyze the long-term results of humeral lengthening in achondroplastic patients and make suggestions on the most appropriate surgical technique to improve patient outcomes. Fifty-four humeral lengthening procedures performed in 27 achondroplastic patients were reviewed. Elongations were performed by means of callotasis with unilateral external fixation. Inclusion criteria were: achondroplastic patients under 17 years without prior arm operations and minimum follow-up of 36 months. Fifty humeri in 25 patients (13 men and 12 women), aged between 9 and 17 years, met the inclusion criteria. Mean humeral lengthening was 8.82 cm (range: 5 to 10.5 cm), which represented an elongation of 54.80% (range: 46% to 63%) of the original length. The healing index was 0.91 months (range: 0.72 to 1.4 mo) per centimeter gained. Shoulder and elbow range of motion and stability were preserved in 47 limbs. Noncomplicated cases consistently experienced a significant functional improvement in the performance of activities of daily living such as putting on footwear and personal hygiene. Short-term complications included 11 pin-tract infections, 1 radial nerve neuropraxia, and 1 failure of the regenerated bone formation. None of these complications prevented from completion of treatment. Long-term complications included 2 cases of nonunion, 3 elbow flexion contractures, and 2 cases of psychological dissatisfaction, all of them in 4 patients. Factors associated with long-term complications were intraoperative fragment displacement and distal humeral osteotomy. No fractures of the regenerated bone were identified in the long term. Callotasis with unilateral external fixation is a reliable and well-tolerated procedure for humeral lengthening in achondroplastic patients, with an acceptable complication rate. Guided fixator placement and a proximal humeral osteotomy are strongly recommended technical tips as they may help prevent complications and improve outcomes. Level IV-case series.

Arthroscopic anterior capsular release for posttraumatic elbow flexion contracture in pediatric patients: a case report of two patients with treatment protocol

aUniversity of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA bDepartment of Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA cSeattle Children’s, Department of Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, Seattle, WA Financial Disclosure: Dr. Saper reports money paid outside of this study to him and his institution by Arthrex. Dr. Welling has no disclosures. The authors report no conflicts of interest. Correspondence to Michael Saper, DO, ATC, CSCS, 4800 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle, WA 98105 Tel: +1-206-987-5678; fax: +1-206-987-3852; e-mail: [email protected].

Anterior elbow release for post-traumatic flexion contractures in patients 21 years or younger

An elbow contracture in a young person can be a devastating problem. Significant contractures will lead to functional loss of the extremity. Appropriately performed contracture release can have profound implications on the overall well-being of the patient. The purpose of this study was to report improvements in sagittal-plane range of motion and the complication rate following an anterior elbow release for flexion contractures in patients 21 years or younger. We performed a retrospectivereview of 27 patients with a median age of 16.8 years who were treated surgically for elbow flexion contracture with an anterior approach. Follow-up was possible in 18 of these patients at an average of 31 months. An anterior approach was performed in all 18 patients, with 4 patients undergoing an additional posterior incision to address posterior structures limiting extension. Elbow extension improved by an average of 35°, from -54° to -19°. The mean total arc of elbow motion improved by 37°, from 65° to 102°. Two complications occurred: traction-related neurapraxia of the lateral antebrachial cutaneous nerve and transient neurapraxia of the posterior interosseous nerve. Elbow contracture release through an anterior approach is an acceptable surgical option. Significant improvement is obtained with a low risk of complications.

Treatment of aseptic ulnar diaphyseal nonunion with locking compression plate and autogenous iliac bone graft

To investigate the clinical results of locking compression plate combined with autologous iliac bone graft in the treatment of aseptic ulnar nonunion. From March 2009 to July 2017, 22 patients with aseptic ulnar diaphyseal nonunion with complete follow-up data were treated with surgery, including 12 males and 10 females, aged from 16 to 58 (39.7±9.9) years old and ranging in course of disease from 10 to 192 (39.4±55.7) months. There were 15 atrophic nonunions, 5 hypertrophic nonunions and 2 synovial pseudo-articular nonunions. After debridement of the nonunion, locking compression plate was used to fix the nonunion and autogenous iliac bone graft was given. Bone healing rate, surgical complications and clinical results were evaluated. All the patients were followed up, and the duration ranged from 13 to 42 months, with a mean of (22.5±8.2) months, and 1 patient did not heal. Visual analogue pain scores ranged from 0 to 3 (0.9±0.9). Pronation of forearm was 47 to 86 (69.0±14.7) degrees, supination was 35 to 85 (63.0±9.4) degrees, wrist flexion was 20 to 80 (51.0±10.2) degrees, wrist flexion was 32 to 88 (71.0±11.7) degrees, elbow flexion contracture was 0 to 25 (9.0±5.6) degrees, further flexion was 105 to 150 (134.0±13.9) degrees, and grip strength was 87% on the opposite side. According to the Anderson scoring system, 8 cases were excellent, 11 were satisfied, 2 were not satisfied, and 1 was failed. LCP combined with autologous iliac bone graft can effectively treat aseptic ulna diaphyseal nonunion.

The morphologic change of the elbow with flexion contracture in upper obstetric brachial plexus palsy

Contracture of the elbow after obstetric brachial plexus palsy (OBPP) is well known; however, details of the 3-dimensional (3D) morphologicchanges in the elbow joint in OBPP have not been clarified. This study aimed to clarify the 3D morphologicchanges in the elbow joint by focusing on the distal humerus with flexion contracture in upper OBPP. We tested the hypothesis that the shape of the distal humerus with flexion contracture in upper OBPP is hypoplastic in the trochlea, capitellum, and olecranon fossa. We retrospectively studied 20 patients with elbow flexion contracture and residual OBPP. The approximate radius of the distal humerus, the shortest distance between the olecranon and coronoid fossa, and the size of the olecranon fossa were measured and compared between the affected and normal sides using 3D bone models to assess the distal humerus morphology. The average radius of the distal humerus was smaller on the affected side than on the normal side. Furthermore, the average distance between the olecranon and coronoid fossa was greater and the average size of the olecranon fossa was smaller on the affected side than on the normal side. The size of the distal humerus was significantly smaller and the olecranon fossa was significantly shallower on the affected side. Consistent with our original hypothesis, the distal humerus with flexion contracture in upper OBPP was hypoplastic. The shallow olecranon fossa might prevent full extension of the elbow even though soft tissue contracture release is performed. We recommend evaluation of the morphology of the olecranon fossa to determine the treatment plan for elbow flexion contracture with OBPP.

Effectiveness of non-surgical and surgical interventions for elbow flexion contractures in brachial plexus birth injury: A systematic review

To conduct a systematic review of studies on non-surgical and surgical interventions for elbow flexion contractures secondary to brachial plexus birth injury (BPBI). MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, and CINAHL databases were searched for randomized controlled trials, observational studies, and case series studies on treatment of elbow flexion contractures secondary to BPBI. Study quality was evaluated using the Effective Public Health Practice Project tool. Of the 950 records found, 132 full text articles were reviewed, and 3 cohort studies and 8 case series were included. The overall methodological quality of included studies was weak. The weak quality evidence demonstrated that significant gains in elbow extension passive range of motion (ROM) can be achieved with serial casting (range: 15 to 34.5 degrees) or elbow release surgery (range: 28.4 to 30.0 degrees). At best, a reduction to an elbow contracture between -15.0 and -18.8 degrees (casting) and -8.0 and -43.6 (elbow release surgery) can be achieved. Insufficient outcomes on elbow flexion ROM and strength were found in both non-surgical and surgical studies. The quality of evidence on the effectiveness of interventions for an elbow flexion contracture secondary to BPBI is weak. In the context of insufficient evidence on the risks of pursuing such interventions, it is prudent to attempt non-surgical interventions prior to surgery. III - systematic review of level IV studies.

Prevalence and etiology of elbow flexion contractures in brachial plexus birth injury: A scoping review.

To synthesize the evidence on the prevalence and etiology of elbow flexion contractures secondary to brachial plexus birth injury (BPBI). Using Arksey and O'Malley's scoping review framework, MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, and CINAHL databases were searched, followed by a comprehensive grey literature search. Articles and abstracts of studies of all level of evidence on the prevalence, natural history, clinical presentation, etiology, and treatment of elbow flexion contractures in BPBI were included. Of the 884 records found, 130 full text articles were reviewed, and 57 records were included. The median prevalence of elbow flexion contracture in BPBI was 48%. The magnitude of the contractures was between 5 and 90 degrees. Contractures > 30 degrees were found in 21% to 36% of children. With recent clinical and lab studies, there is stronger evidence that the contractures are largely due to the effects of denervation causing failure in the growth of the affected flexor muscles, while muscle imbalance, splint positioning, and postural preferences play a smaller role. The etiology of elbow flexion contractures is multifaceted. The contribution of growth impairment in the affected muscles offers greater understanding as to why maintaining passive range of motion in these contractures can be difficult.

Loco-Regional Perforator Flaps for Reconstruction of Post Burn Contracted Elbow

Context: the post-burn scar is inevitable problem even with the best treatment as it depends on the depth of the burn injury, so only superficial dermal burns, heal with no scarring, but the contracture is preventable problem especially with the best treatment. The post-burn elbow flexion contracture may be associated with heterotropic calcification of the elbow joint which needs orthopedic team consultation. The elbow reconstruction represents a demanding procedure for the plastic surgeon. Objective: aim of this study was to evaluate the validity and application of local arm forearm and regional chest perforator flaps for coverage after release of post burn elbow contractures. Patients and Methods: this prospective randomized study was done on 20 patients aged from 6 to 54 years old. All of them were asking for elective release of postburn flexion contracture of the elbow at outpatient clinics of Al Azhar University and Al-Ahrar Teaching Hospitals. It was done from March 2018 to March 2019. Results: we have performed in our study the local and regional perforator flaps as lateral arm flap, medial arm flap, PBUF flap, PBRF flap, thoracoabdominal pedicle flap. Skin grafting is an easy procedure, however, success is limited with the technique because there is always the risk of incomplete graft take and prolonged splinting and physiotherapy is imperative in the postoperative period. Conclusion: flaps are better for resurfacing the defects after post-burn contractures release. Flaps do not need vigorous post-operative physiotherapy or splint age and grow with age especially in children.

Secondary procedures for restoration of upper limb function in late cases of neonatal brachial plexus palsy.

Neonatal brachial plexus palsy is a devastating complication after a difficult delivery. The incidence of this injury has not significantly decreased over the past decades, despite all the advances in perinatal care. Although primary repair of the nerves with microsurgical techniques is the common treatment strategy nowadays, there are late cases in which secondary procedures in tendons or bones are necessary. Moreover, secondary procedures may be needed to improve the results of primary repair. A careful preoperative assessment of all the residual defects and deformities in upper limbs of these patients is essential. The aim of these procedures is usually to restore the deficient shoulder abduction and external rotation, release of any elbow flexion contracture or to correct a weak elbow flexion. More distally a supination or pronation deformity is usually apparent, and available options include tendon transfers or radial osteotomy. The wrist of these patients may be ulnarly deviated or may has absent extension, so tendon transfers or free muscle transfers can also be used for correction of these deformities. In severe cases, wrist fusion is an alternative option. The clinical presentation of the hand is highly variable due to complex deformities including thumb adduction deformity, metacarpophalangeal joints drop, and weak finger flexion or extension depending on the level of the injury. Each of these deformities can be restored with a combination of soft tissue procedures like local or free muscle transfer and bony procedures like arthrodesis.

A novel corrective static progressive elbow extension splint for clients with elbow stiffness: A case report

The knowledge and experience about treating elbow stiffness, although it is expanding, it still remains a difficult condition to treat with an unpredictable outcome. Splints have been one of the mainstay nonoperative management tools to improve motion when standard exercises alone seem insufficient. Based on the existing literature, certain limitation has been identified in the existing designs and practises of the splinting practise. Therefore, a need was felt to develop a novel corrective static progressive elbow extension splint to overcome the challenges of existing splinting interventions for elbow flexion contracture.

Natural History of the Elbow Bony Architecture in Patients With Obstetric Brachial Plexus Injury and the Association With Flexion Contractures

The purposes of this study were to evaluate the radiographic anatomy of the elbow and try to determine its possible relation to elbow flexion contracture in patients with obstetric brachial plexus injury (OBPI). All patients with a history of OBPI with elbow flexion contracture who were evaluated clinically and radiographically were included in the study. A review was performed to include serial elbow examinations and previous treatment. Radiographs of the elbow were examined for the presence of bony abnormalities as a potential cause of elbow flexion contracture or the presence of progressive arthritic changes over time. Fifty-nine patients with a history of OBPI with elbow flexion contracture were included in the study. Of them, 53 had normal bony architecture, 2 had mild radial head subluxation, and 4 had chronic anterior radial head dislocations. At a mean age at final clinical follow-up of 21 years (range, 7 to 83 years), only 7% of patients had pain localized to their elbow. There were only three patients with elbow arthritis, including two of the four with radial head dislocations. In the absence of a radial head dislocation, most elbow joints do not seem to undergo abnormal anatomic bony changes in patients with OBPI and flexion contractures. Level IV (retrospective case series).

Transfert bipolaire de grand pectoral pour la réanimation de la flexion du coude dans une série de 29 patients

The aim of this study was to evaluate the functional outcomes of bipolar pedicled pectoralis major (PM) transfer to restore elbow flexion. We retrospectively reviewed 29 transfers in 28 patients who ranged from 5 to 65 years of age (mean age of 31.2 years). The loss of elbow flexion was due to brachial plexus palsy for 24 patients, elbow flexors necrosis in four and poliomyelitis in one patient. The whole PM muscle was mobilized and fixed proximally to the coracoid process. Intraoperative positioning and post-operative immobilization of the shoulder and the elbow flexed at 60° and 120° respectively, allowed direct distal fixation of the muscle to the biceps brachii tendon. Intraoperative positioning and post-operative immobilization of the shoulder and the elbow flexed at 60° and 120° respectively, allowed direct distal fixation of the muscle to the biceps brachii tendon. At the last follow-up (mean of 13 months, ranging from 4 to 37 months), 41% of the transfers (n = 12) recovered grade-4 elbow flexion strength and were able to lift 2.2 kg on average (ranging from 0.5 to 5 kg). Fifty-two per cent of the patients (n = 15) recovered grade-3 strength, and 7% (n = 2) had a poor result (i.e. grade-2 elbow flexion). The mean active elbow flexion was 100° (ranging from 30 to 150°) and the patients had 0 to 10° elbow flexion contracture. Flexion of the shoulder and elbow allowed the transfer to reach the elbow fold, and avoided having to resort to use of an interposition graft between the distal PM and the biceps brachii tendon. Our results indicate that bipolar PM transfer is a reliable and effective procedure to restore elbow flexion.

Restoration of elbow active flexion via latissimus dorsii transfer in patients with arthrogryposis

Background. Severe hypoplasia (or aplasia) of the biceps brachii is a primary cause of restriction in activities of daily living in patients with arthrogryposis.&#x0D; Aim. To estimate the possibility of restoring elbow active flexion via a latissimus dorsii transfer in patients with arthrogryposis.&#x0D; Materials and methods. From 2011 to 2018, we restored active flexion of the elbow via a latissimus dorsi transfer to the biceps brachii in 30 patients with arthrogryposis (44 upper limbs). We used different regimes including clinical examinations, EMG donor and recipient sites, and CT of the chest wall and shoulder.&#x0D; Results. The mean age of the patients was 4.0 ± 2.4 years, and the follow-up period was 3.2 ± 1.9 months. Follow-up results were available for 26 patients (30 upper limbs). The active postoperative elbow motion was 90.5 ± 14.9°. Elbow extension limitation occurred in 51% of cases (12.8 ± 4.3°) without any problems in activities of daily living. In total, 55.6% of patients had good results, 33.3% had satisfactory results, and 11.1% had poor results.&#x0D; Discussion. Our latissimus dorsi transfer results were comparable with those of other authors. Transposition of the latissimus dorsi to the biceps brachii restores sufficient flexion of the elbow without severe elbow flexion contractures.&#x0D; Conclusions. We suggest pedicle monopolar latissimus dorsi transfer as a reliable therapeutic option to restore active elbow flexion in patients with arthrogryposis having passive elbow flexion of 90° or higher before operation and donor muscle strain grade 4 or higher.