Objective To study the treatment method and effect of abduction and lateral rotation l imitation of the shoulder in obstetric brachial plexus palsy (OBPP). Methods From February 2005 to August 2008, 11 patients with abduction and lateral rotation l imitation of the shoulder in OBPP were treated with dissection of the origin of subscapular muscle,transfer of the tendons of latissimus dorsi and teres major muscle to the tendons of supraspinous and infraspinous muscles. Among them, there were 6 males and 5 females with a mean age of 6 years (1-15 years). The main cl inical manifestations showed adduction, internal rotation contracture deformity of shoulder, l imited active and passive external rotation and severely restricted active abduction of shoulder. The passive abduction was more than 90°. According to Gilbert grading, there were 7 cases of grade 1 and 4 cases of grade 2. Based on Mallet score systems, the scores were 5 points in 3 cases, 6 points in 3 cases, and 7 points in 5 cases. The muscle strength of deltoid, supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres major muscle and latissimus dorsi all reached 3-4 grades. Results One patient developed postoperative hematoma, wound healed after symptomatic management. Other patients achieved incision heal ing by first intention. All patients were followed up for 12 to 37 months (17 months on average). The active abduction and external rotation of the shoulder joints recovered obviously. The Gilbert grading were grade 2 in 1 case, grade 3 in 1 case, and grade 4 in 9 cases; the Mallet scores were 10 points in 1 case, 11 points in 2 cases, 12 points in 4 cases, 13 points in 3 cases, and 14 points in 1 case; showing significant differences when compared with those before operation(P lt; 0.01). The muscle strength of deltoid, supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres major muscle and latissimus dorsi increased to 4-5 grades. Conclusion The dissection of the origin of subscapular muscle, transfer of the tendons of latissimus dorsi and teres major muscle to the tendons of supraspinous and infraspinous muscles can resolve shoulder adduction, internal rotation contracture, and can enhance abduction, external rotation strength. It is an effective operation for abduction and lateral rotation l imitation of the shoulder in OBPP.
ObjectiveTo review the advances in the diagnosis and treatment of obstetric brachial plexus palsy (OBPP). MethodsThe incidence, risk factors, classification, and imaging tests of OBPP and indication, technique, and results of surgery were reviewed and summarized. ResultsThe incidence of OBPP is not declining in recent years. Birth weight of ≥4 kg, forceps delivery, and prepregnancy body mass index of ≥21 are considered to be major risk factors, and caesarean section delivery seems to be a protective factor. Neurophysiological investigations can be applied to qualitative diagnosis of OBPP, but can not to quantitative one. Sensitivity and specificity of both CT and MRI myelography are about 0.7 and 0.97, respectively. Narakas classification is widely used:C5, 6 injury as type I, C5-7 injury as type Ⅱ, C5-T1 injury as type Ⅲ, C5-T1 injury with Horner's syndrome as type IV. It is generally considered that the brachial plexus exploration should be undertaken for infants without spontaneous recovery of elbow flexion by a maximum of 3 months old; and 10% to 30% of patients may need nerve reconstruction surgery. It is advocated that traumatic neuroma of the upper trunk should be resected with nerve reconstruction. The final evaluation for surgical results should be at minimal 4 years for upper roots and 8 years for total roots. Scales of Mallet, Gilbert, and Raimondi are mostly used for assessing shoulder function, elbow function, and hand function. ConclusionBrachial plexus exploration should be undertaken for infants without flexion of elbow at the age of 3 months. Traumatic neuroma (even neuroma-in-continuity) resection followed by microsurgical reconstruction of the brachial plexus is favored.