Subscapularis slide correction of the shoulder internal rotation contracture after brachial plexus birth injury: technique and outcomes.

Internal rotation contracture is the most common shoulder deformity in patients with brachial plexus birth injury. The purpose of this investigation is to describe the indications, technique, and results of the subscapularis slide procedure. The technique involves the release of the subscapularis muscle origin off the scapula, with preservation of anterior shoulder structures.

Hand function in children with an upper brachial plexus birth injury: results of the nine-hole peg test.

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate hand function in children with Erb upper brachial plexus palsy.

Method: Hand function was evaluated in 25 children (eight males; 17 females) with a diagnosed upper (C5/C6) brachial plexus birth injury. Of these children, 22 had undergone primary nerve reconstruction and 13 of the 25 had undergone simultaneous and/or secondary shoulder procedures.

Shoulder function following late neurolysis and bypass grafting for upper brachial plexus birth injuries.

Eleven children ranging in age from 9 to 21 months underwent late nerve reconstruction for persistent shoulder paralysis following an upper brachial plexus birth injury. Only neurolysis was performed in three patients. Neurolysis and nerve grafting bypassing the neuroma with proximal and distal end-to-side repairs was performed in the other eight.

Outcome following nonoperative treatment of brachial plexus birth injuries.

Ninety-one infants who sustained a brachial plexus birth injury were treated with only physical and occupational therapy. The children were evaluated at 3-month intervals and followed for a minimum of 2 years. Sixty-three children with an upper or upper-middle plexus injury recovered good to excellent shoulder and hand function.