ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to analyse the results of a series of pedicled latissimus dorsi transfers to restore elbow flexion. Moreover, we describe a new technique of distal fixation of the muscle to the proximal third of the ulnar diaphysis to increase the lever arm and improve strength. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed seven patients aged from 18 to 49 years. Elbow flexion paralysis was secondary to destruction of the anterior arm compartment in four cases and to brachial plexus palsy in three cases. The humeral insertion of the latissimus dorsi was relocated on the coracoid process in five cases and not relocated in two cases. The patients were assessed using the Medical Research Council grading system, the maximum weight lifted by the wrist and the active elbow range of motion. RESULTS: At the last follow-up (mean 26.6 months), five patients recovered M4 elbow flexion strength (0.5 to 8kg), one patient recovered M3 strength and the last transfer failed because of triceps brachii co-contractions. The mean active elbow flexion was 91° (range, 45 to 130°). Patients with destruction of the anterior arm compartment and particularly whose forearm was not paralyzed had better strength than patients with a brachial plexus palsy (3.25 versus 1kg). A skin island with the latissimus dorsi muscle flap was particularly useful in case of arm soft tissue defect. DISCUSSION: A destroyed anterior compartment of the arm is a good indication for latissimus dorsi transfer to restore elbow flexion. The muscle is usually too weak in high brachial plexus palsy. Finally, the latissimus dorsi needs an objective, reproducible and reliable preoperative evaluation. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.
Subject(s)
Arm Injuries/surgery , Brachial Plexus/injuries , Elbow Joint/surgery , Elbow/surgery , Muscle, Skeletal/transplantation , Surgical Flaps , Adolescent , Adult , Arm Injuries/physiopathology , Brachial Plexus/physiopathology , Elbow/physiopathology , Elbow Joint/physiopathology , Female , Follow-Up Studies , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Nerve Transfer/methods , Range of Motion, Articular , Plastic Surgery Procedures/methods , Recovery of Function , Retrospective Studies , Treatment OutcomeABSTRACT
The authors report their 10-year experience in the treatment of war injuries in the Gaza strip. Bullet injuries to nerves can be assessed using Sunderland's classification. Grade 4 and 5 lesions must be repaired in the same way as any traumatic nerve injuries. A detailed series of sciatic nerve repair is presented. In this series, 12 nerve gaps were repaired by direct nerve coaptation using 90° knee flexion for six weeks. The results of this technique at 1 to 4 years follow-up are better than to those of sciatic nerve grafting.
