Semin Plast Surg 2005; 19(1): 86-95
DOI: 10.1055/s-2005-867111
Copyright © 2005 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc., 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001 USA.

Second Shoulder and Elbow Reanimation Procedures in Late Obstetrical Paralysis Patients

Marios D. Vekris1 , John Kostas2 , Panagiotis N. Soucacos3
  • 1Orthopaedic Department, Ioannina University Medical School, Ioannina, Greece
  • 2Microsurgical Unit, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, Virginia
  • 3Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Athens, School of Medicine, Athens, Greece
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
04 April 2005 (online)

ABSTRACT

Obstetrical brachial plexus palsy invariably involves the upper roots. The natural history of the injury shows that if the condition is left untreated, spontaneous reinnervation that occurs in a variable degree in these patients leaves characteristic deformities of the shoulder and elbow. Common sequelae are the internal rotation and adduction deformity of the shoulder, and elbow flexion contractures. Early microsurgical reconstruction of the affected plexus leads to more rewarding overall function of the shoulder and elbow, but residual deformities might appear again, similar to the ones noticed in untreated cases, that are even less serious. Thus, secondary procedures are mandatory to reanimating the shoulder and elbow, and especially to provide adequate abduction and external rotation of the shoulder and a more neutral appearance of the elbow regarding flexion-extension equilibrium.

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Marios D VekrisM.D. 

56 Xanthou St.

Ioannina 45445, Greece

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