Posterior subscapularis release combined with transfer of latissimus dorsi and teres major for treatment of shoulder internal rotation contracture secondary to Erb's plasy

ABSTRACT

Fifteen children complaining of internal rotation contracture of the shoulders after obstetrical palsy, their mean age was 8.3 years, were included in this study. The preoperative average abduction and external rotation were 70 and 50 degrees, respectively. All patients had subscapularis release from the scapula and transfer of latissimus dorsi and teres major to rotator cuff. At the final follow up, all patients had an improvement of abduction and external rotation. The mean active abduction was improved to 120 degrees postoperatively. The average postoperative external rotation was 57 degrees. Subscapularis release and Hoffer transfer improved the shoulder abduction and external rotation in cases of birth palsy. All patients noticed an improvement of their functional activities of daily living as well as cosmoses