Restoration of Shoulder Function

• Published in: Hand clinics Vol. 32; no. 3; pp. 303 - 310
• Main Authors: Boe, Chelsea C., MD, Elhassan, Bassem T., MD
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Elsevier Inc 01-08-2016
• Subjects: Biomechanical Phenomena; Brachial Plexus - injuries; Brachial plexus injury; Brachial Plexus Neuropathies - rehabilitation; Brachial Plexus Neuropathies - surgery; External rotation; Global shoulder dysfunction; Humans; Lower trapezius; Medical Illustration; Orthopedics; Range of Motion, Articular; Recovery of Function; Shoulder; Shoulder Joint - physiology; Shoulder Joint - surgery; Tendon transfer; Tendon Transfer - methods; Treatment Outcome; Brachial plexus injury; Tendon transfer; Lower trapezius; Global shoulder dysfunction; External rotation
• ISSN: 0749-0712; 1558-1969
• DOI: 10.1016/j.hcl.2016.04.001

Restoration of shoulder function in patients with brachial plexus injury can be challenging. Initial reported efforts were focused on stabilizing the shoulder, improving inferior subluxation and restoring abduction and flexion of the joint. Recent advancements and improved understanding of coordinated shoulder motion and the biomechanical properties of the muscles around the shoulder applicable to tendon transfer have expanded available surgical options to improve shoulder function, specifically external rotation. Despite the advances in reconstructive options, brachial plexus injury remains a serious problem that requires complex surgical solutions, prolonged recovery, and acceptance of functional loss.