Palliative shoulder and elbow surgery in obstetrical brachial plexus birth palsy.

Palliative surgery in a child with incomplete recovery following obstetric brachial plexus birth palsy (BPBP) is common. Surgical management strategies for BPBP sequelae have the common objectives of decreasing the risk of functional limitations in the long term and improving function. There is no single treatment to deal with the sequelae of BPBP. While there is a myriad of possible clinical presentations, the ages for surgery extend from a 6- to 12-month-old infant to the mature adolescent. Numerous procedures have been described in the literature, ranging from simple soft tissue release to muscular transfers and osteotomies. The indications will depend on a combination of all these factors. In certain cases, an early intervention is recommended to prevent joint deformities, and to allow joint remodeling, often at the shoulder. In other cases, the indications are less clear, thus the expected benefit must be carefully considered. The indications for these operations must meet certain rules to be beneficial for the patient and should only be considered after a comprehensive clinical examination and a commitment from the child and the family to the therapeutic strategy.

Chondrodesis of the wrist in children with severe paralytic hand deformities.

We examined the anatomical and clinical results of a new wrist subphyseal arthrodesis method called chondrodesis, which relies on resorbable suture-bone fixation for children with severe paralytic hand deformities and does not require fixation devices or bone grafting. Four children's wrists underwent the procedure, resulting in three successful wrist bone fusions. The wrists were stabilized by joint fusion in 4-5 months in good positions, ranging from neutral to extension 15°, while still allowing the forearm to keep growing since the radial growth plate remained open as of the last follow-up. The procedure improved hand function (House score, Raimondi score) and appearance. It also increased control over gripping motions with the operated hand, and even restored key pinch ability in one of the patients. The youngest patient was not able to achieve bone fusion at the key sites and will need further corrective procedures at a later and more optimal age. This novel procedure is appealing because of its technical reproducibility, low cost, encouraging outcomes, ease of rehabilitation, and because it spares the physeal cartilage.

[Palsy of the upper limb: Obstetrical brachial plexus palsy, arthrogryposis, cerebral palsy]. / Les paralysies du membre supérieur : plexus brachial obstétrical, arthrogrypose, paralysie cérébrale.

"Palsy of the upper limb" in children includes various diseases which leads to hypomobility of the member: cerebral palsy, arthrogryposis and obstetrical brachial plexus palsy. These pathologies which differ on brain damage or not, have the same consequences due to the early achievement: negligence, stiffness and deformities. Regular entire clinical examination of the member, an assessment of needs in daily life, knowledge of the social and family environment, are key points for management. In these pathologies, the rehabilitation is an emergency, which began at birth and intensively. Splints and physiotherapy are part of the treatment. Surgery may have a functional goal, hygienic or aesthetic in different situations. The main goals of surgery are to treat: joints stiffness, bones deformities, muscles contractures and spasticity, paresis, ligamentous laxity.

Utilidad de la ecografía en la evaluación del hombro en la parálisis obstétrica del plexo braquial / Utilité de l'échographie pour l'évaluation de l'épaule dans une paralysie obstétricale du plexus brachial / Usefulness of Ultrasound in Assessing Shoulder in Obstetric Brachial Plexus Paralysis

Introducción: en la parálisis obstétrica del plexo braquial se encuentra frecuentemente el hombro en aducción, rotación interna y pérdida de rotación externa, con desequilibrio muscular entre los rotadores internos y externos. Esto conduce a alteración de la articulación glenohumeral. El objetivo del presente reporte es mostrar la utilidad de la ecografía en el diagnóstico y seguimiento de las alteraciones de esta articulación. Método: se estudió una serie de casos de niños con parálisis obstétrica del plexo braquial, todos con actitud en rotación interna y aducción del hombro. Se realizó ecografía de hombro para determinar alteraciones de la articulación glenohumeral. Se determinó la posición del núcleo de osificación de la cabeza humeral con respecto a la línea escapular; se midió el ángulo alfa y se comprobó el grado de subluxación de la cabeza humeral. Resultados: se valoraron 10 pacientes con promedio de edad de 15 meses. Se apreció subluxación posterior en 5 casos con núcleo posterior respecto a la línea escapular y ángulo alfa mayor a 30°. En 4 casos con ángulo normal, había asimetría de por lo menos 10° respecto al hombro contralateral. Conclusiones: la ecografía de hombro constituye la modalidad de imagen de elección para la valoración inicial y el seguimiento del hombro en la parálisis obstétrica del plexo braquial. Es un recurso económico que permite diagnosticar la presencia y grado de subluxación posterior y no requiere sedación ni uso de radiación ionizante(AU)

Introduction: Shoulder adduction is frequently in obstetric brachial plexus paralysis, as well as internal rotation and external rotation loss with muscle imbalance between internal and external rotators. This leads to alteration of the glenohumeral joint. The aim of this report is to show the usefulness of ultrasonography in the diagnosis and monitoring of alterations in this joint. Method: A number of cases was studied for children with obstetric brachial plexus paralysis, all with internal rotation attitude and adduction of the shoulder. Shoulder ultrasound is performed to determine changes in the glenohumeral joint. The position of the humeral head ossification with respect to the shoulder line is determined; the alpha angle was measured and the degree of subluxation of the humeral head was checked. Results: Ten patients were evaluated with an average age of 15 months. Posterior subluxation was seen in five cases with posterior core relative to the shoulder line and alpha angle greater than 30°. In four cases with normal angle, asymmetry of at least 10 degrees from the contralateral shoulder was seen. Conclusions: Shoulder ultrasound is the imaging modality of choice for initial assessment and monitoring of shoulder in obstetric brachial plexus paralysis. It is an economic resource that can diagnose the presence and degree of posterior subluxation and does not require sedation or use of ionizing radiation(AU)

Introduction: Dans la paralysie obstétricale du plexus brachial, on trouve fréquemment une épaule en abduction, une rotation interne et une perte de la rotation externe, avec un déséquilibre musculaire entre les rotateurs internes et externes. Tout cela conduit à une altération de l'articulation gléno-humérale. L'objectif de ce présent rapport est de montrer l'utilité de l'échographie pour le diagnostic et le suivi des altérations de cette articulation. Méthode: Une série de cas d'enfants atteints de paralysie obstétricale du plexus brachial, tous avec une attitude vicieuse (rotation interne et adduction) de l'épaule, a été étudiée. Une échographie de l'épaule a été réalisée pour déterminer les altérations de l'articulation gléno-humérale. On a défini la localisation du noyau d'ossification de la tête de l'humérus par rapport à la ligne scapulaire; l'angle alpha a été calculé, et on a constaté le degré de subluxation de la tête de l'humérus. Résultats: Dix patients âgés de 15 mois en moyenne ont été évalués. On a constaté une subluxation postérieure dans 5 cas, avec un noyau postérieur par rapport à la ligne scapulaire et un angle alpha supérieur à 30º. Dans 4 cas avec un angle alpha normal, il y a eu une asymétrie d'au moins 10º par rapport à l'épaule controlatérale. Conclusions: L'échographie constitue la technique de choix pour l'évaluation initiale et le suivi de l'épaule dans la paralysie obstétricale du plexus brachial. C'est une ressource économique permettant de diagnostiquer la présence et le degré de subluxation postérieure, et ne requérant pas de sédation ni de radiation ionisante(AU)

[Management of upper obstetrical brachial plexus palsy. Long-term results of non-operative treatment in 22 children]. / Traitement conservateur des paralysies obstétricales hautes du plexus brachial. Résultats à long terme chez 22 enfants.

INTRODUCTION: Treatment of obstetrical brachial plexus palsy (OBPP) is always debated, especially for upper plexus palsy. Some authors perform early surgical treatment in case of absence of biceps contraction at the age of 3 months. Others prefer to wait until the age of 6 months before considering a surgical procedure when no suspicion of root avulsion is found. We think that a conservative approach with intensive rehabilitation program can obtain good functional outcome for patients who will recover biceps function spontaneously between 3 and 6 months, and that it is not necessary to perform surgery at 3 months. To argue our choice, we have compared the long-term outcome of two groups of children with upper OBPP conservatively treated regarding the age of biceps recovery (before or after 3 months). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Twenty-two patients with non operated upper roots birth palsy, followed in Timone's Hospital of Marseille by a multidisciplinary team, have recovered a biceps contraction between 1 and 8 months and were retrospectively included in this study. All children underwent an intensive rehabilitation program since birth, performed by a specialized physiotherapist. Patients were reviewed, and their shoulder function was assessed using Mallet score. The score was analysed regarding the age of biceps recovery. RESULTS: The mean follow up was 8.2 years. Nine children recovered a biceps contraction at 3 months of age or before; the mean global Mallet score was 4.11. Thirteen children recovered a biceps contraction after 3 months of age (between 3 and 8 months); the mean global Mallet score was 3.92. The difference was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: This study shows that global shoulder function is comparable for two groups. The children who did not recover a biceps contraction at 3 months of age had a global shoulder function as good as the one who recovered biceps function earlier. We think our intensive rehabilitation program allowed us to avoid a useless early surgery. Surgical plexus treatment was indicated for children who did not have biceps contraction after 6 months of age.

Transposición de los músculos dorsal ancho y redondo mayor para el tratamiento de la parálisis braquial obstétrica / Transposition of mayor round wide dorsal muscles for treatment of obstetric brachial paralysis

INTRODUCCIÓN. La parálisis braquial obstétrica produce un desequilibrio muscular en el hombro que limita la abducción y rotación externa, y crea una incapacidad funcional considerable. El objetivo general de este trabajo fue evaluar los resultados obtenidos con la transposición de los músculos dorsal ancho y redondo mayor al manguito rotador, en pacientes con esta afección. MÉTODOS. Se realizó un estudio retrospectivo descriptivo de 26 pacientes con parálisis braquial obstétrica, tratados mediante dicha transposición en el Servicio General del Complejo Científico Ortopédico Internacional Frank País, entre enero del 2001 y enero del 2009. RESULTADOS. La edad promedio en el momento de la transposición fue de 5,8 años (5-8 años). Se empleó el abordaje axilar en 11 casos y el braquial posterior, en 15. En 11 pacientes fue necesaria una cirugía de liberación previa o simultánea. La movilidad activa promedio en abducción era de 77º (30º - 105º) en el preoperatorio y aumentó a 132º (95º - 180º) después de la cirugía. La movilidad activa en rotación externa era de 7º (0º - 20º) y aumentó a 61º (35º - 90º). La movilidad activa en rotación interna era de 83º (75º - 90º) y disminuyó a 57º (25º - 70º). La evaluación funcional según la puntuación de Mallet modificada era como promedio de 13 puntos (8-17) y mejoró a 20 puntos (16-23). No hubo complicaciones con el tratamiento aplicado. CONCLUSIONES. La transposición del dorsal ancho y el redondo mayor proporcionan un aumento de la movilidad activa de abducción y rotación externa del hombro. Aproximadamente en la mitad de los pacientes se requiere una intervención previa o simultánea para liberar las contracturas musculares. El tratamiento consiguió una mejoría de la función global del miembro en todos los pacientes

INTRODUCTION: The obstetric brachial paralysis causes a muscular lack of balance limiting the abduction and the external rotation as well as a significant functional ability. The main objective of present paper was to assess the results obtained with the above mentioned transposition to rotator cuff in patients presenting this affection. METHODS: A descriptive retrospective study was conducted in 26 patients with obstetric brachial paralysis, treated with such transposition in the General Service of Fran País International Orthopedic Scientific Complex from January, 2002 to January, 2009. RESULTS: Mean age at transposition was of 5,8 years (5-8 years). Axillary approach in 11 cases and posterior brachial in 15 were used. In 11 patients it was necessary a previous or simultaneous release surgery. Mean active mobility in abduction was of 77º (30º - 105º) during postoperative period and increased to 132º (95 -180º) after surgery. Active mobility in preoperative period and increased to 132º (95º - 180º) after surgery. Active mobility in external rotation was of 7º (0º - 20º) and increased to 61º (35º -90º). Active mobility in internal mobility was of 83º (75º - 90º) and decreased to 57º (25º - 70º). Functional assessment according to the modified Mallet's score on average was of 13 points (8-17) and improved to 20 points (16-23). There were not complications with applied treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Above mentioned transposition leads to an increase in active mobility of abduction and external rotation of shoulder. Approximately in the half of patients it is required a previous and simultaneous intervention to release the muscular contractures. Treatment achieved an improvement of general member function in all patients

INTRODUCTION. La paralysie obstétricale du plexus brachial conduit à un déséquilibre musculaire au niveau de l'épaule, limitant l'abduction et la rotation externe, et crée un handicap fonctionnel considérable. Le but de ce travail est d'évaluer les résultats obtenus avec la transposition des muscles grand dorsal et grand-rond à la coiffe des rotateurs chez les patients atteins.MÉTHODES. Une étude rétrospective et descriptive de 26 patients atteints d'une paralysie obstétricale du plexus brachial et traités par cette technique au Service général du Complexe scientifique orthopédique international Frank Pais, entre janvier 2001 et janvier 2009, a été réalisée.RÉSULTATS. L'âge moyen au moment de la transposition a été 5.8 ans (5-8 ans). Les voies d'abord utilisées ont été la voie axillaire (11 cas) et la voie brachiale postérieure (15 cas). Une chirurgie de libération préalable ou simultanée a été nécessaire chez 11 patients. La mobilité active moyenne en abduction a été 77º (30º 105º) dans le préopératoire, et a augmenté à 132º (95º 180º) après la chirurgie. La mobilité active en rotation externe a été 7º (0º 20º), et a augmenté à 61º (35º 90º). La mobilité active en rotation interne a été 83º (75º 90º), et a diminué à 57º (25º 70º). L'évaluation fonctionnelle d'après le score de Mallet modifié a été 13 points (8 17) en moyenne, et a amélioré 20 points (16 23). Il n'y a eu aucune complication importante.CONCLUSIONS. La transposition des muscles grand dorsal et grand-rond contribue à l'augmentation de la mobilité active d'abduction et de rotation externe de l'épaule. À peu près la moitie des patients ont eu besoin d'une chirurgie préalable ou simultanée pour le soulagement des contractures. Dans tous les cas, on a réussi à récupérer la fonction générale de l'extrémité avec ce traitement

Diagnóstico y tratamiento de la parálisis braquial obstétrica / Diagnosis and treatment of obstetric brachial paralysis / Diagnostic et traitement de la paralysie brachiale obstétricale

Se realizó una revisión bibliográfica sobre diversos aspectos de las parálisis braquiales obstétricas. Se expresan criterios de diagnóstico y se exponen opciones de tratamiento.

A bibliographic review on the different aspects of obstetric brachial paralysis is made. Diagnostic criteria and treatment options are also approached.

Une mise en revue bibliographique sur des aspects divers des paralysies brachiales obstétricales a été effectuées. Des critères de diagnostic sont exprimés et des options de traitement sont exposées.