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.
Objective To investigate the methods and outcome of endoscopic ulnar neurolysis and minimal medial epicondylectomy in treatment of cubital tunnel syndrome with ulnar nerve subluxation. Methods Between June 2004 and June 2009, 11 cases of cubital tunnel syndrome with ulnar nerve subluxation were treated with endoscopic ulnar neurolysis andminimal medial epicondylectomy. There were 7 males and 4 females with an average age of 36 years (range, 18-47 years). All cases had numbness in l ittle finger and ring finger. The disease duration varied from 3 to 18 months (7 months on average). Nine cases had atrophy in the first dorsal interosseous muscle and hypothenar muscles. The preoperative electromyography showed that the ulnar nerve conduction velocity (NCV) were slowed down at elbow, which was (27.0 ± 1.5) m/s. Results All incisions healed by first intention, and no compl ication occurred. Eleven cases were followed up 6-37 months (19 months on average). All cases had normal sensation after 1 month of operation. The muscle strength was obviously improved in 11 cases after 3 months postoperatively (grade 4 in 7 cases and grade 3-4 in 4 cases). The postoperative electromyography showed that the NCV was obviously improved, which was (43.5 ± 9.5) m/s, showing significant difference when compared with preoperative one (P lt; 0.05). According to Amadio’ efficacy appraisal standard, the results were excellent in 7 cases and good in 4 cases. Conclusion The method of endoscopic ulnar neurolysis and minimal medial epicondylectomy has the advantages of safety, convenient manipulation, small incision, and early recovery for cubital tunnel syndrome with ulnar nerve subluxation.
Objective To review the recent development of extraplexal neurotization as a treatment for brachial plexus injuries. Methods Relevant literature was extensively reviewed.The new development, the advantages and disadvantages of extraplexal neurotization were comprehensively evaluated and analyzed. Results After many years of clinical research, great improvement in treatment of brachial plexus injuries was achieved. There were more donor nerves and better use of every donor nerve was made.Conclusion Extraplexal neurotization is an effective treatment for brachial plexus injuries.