Arthroscopic release of shoulder contracture secondary to obstetric brachial plexus palsy: retrospective study of 18 children with an average follow-up of 4.5 years

Outcomes of humeral osteotomies versus soft-tissue procedures in secondary surgical procedures for neonatal brachial plexus palsy: a meta-analysis

Secondary surgical procedures can be used in brachial plexus birth injury to correct shoulder movement imbalances. This study compares outcomes of the two secondary surgical procedure types: humeral osteotomies and soft tissue procedures. Outcome measures assessed included active and passive internal and external rotation, active and passive abduction and adduction, active and passive flexion and extension, percentage of the humeral head anterior to the middle glenoid fossa, glenoid version, and Mallet Score. Nineteen full-text articles were included in the analysis. Humeral osteotomies resulted in a loss of internal rotation postoperatively (-15.94°). Active internal rotation was not evaluated for soft tissue procedures. All other assessed outcomes were improved postoperatively for bony and soft tissue procedures. Bony procedures exhibited a greater degree of active external rotation postoperatively when compared to soft tissue procedures (+67° vs. +40°). Both bony and soft tissue procedures Improve shoulder function in children with neonatal brachial plexus palsy, however, soft tissue procedures showed greater consistency in outcomes. Level of Evidence: IV.

Pediatric Shoulder Arthroscopy is Effective and Most Commonly Indicated for Instability, Obstetric Brachial Plexus Palsy, and Partial Rotator Cuff Tears

Purpose

The purpose of this review was to systematically evaluate the literature on pediatric shoulder arthroscopy and outline its indications, outcomes, and complications.

Methods

This systematic review was carried out in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. PubMed, Cochrane Library, ScienceDirect, and OVID Medline were searched for studies reporting the indications, outcomes, or complications in patients undergoing shoulder arthroscopy under the age of 18 years. Reviews, case reports, and letters to the editor were excluded. Data extracted included surgical techniques, indications, preoperative and postoperative functional and radiographic outcomes, and complications. The methodological quality of included studies was evaluated using the Methodological Index for Non-Randomized Studies (MINORS) tool.

Results

Eighteen studies, with a mean MINORS score of 11.4/16, were identified, including a total of 761 shoulders (754 patients). Weighted average age was 13.6 years (range, 0.83-18.8 years) with a mean follow-up time of 34.6 months (range, 6-115). As part of their inclusion criteria, 6 studies (230 patients) recruited patients with anterior shoulder instability and 3 studies recruited patients with posterior shoulder instability (80 patients). Other indications for shoulder arthroscopy included obstetric brachial plexus palsy (157 patients) and rotator cuff tears (30 patients). Studies reported a significant improvement in functional outcomes for arthroscopy indicated for shoulder instability and obstetric brachial plexus palsy. A significant improvement was also noted in radiographic outcomes and range of motion for obstetric brachial plexus palsy patients. The overall rate of complication ranged from 0% to 25%, with 2 studies reporting no complications. The most common complication was recurrent instability (38 patients of 228 [16.7%]). Fourteen of the 38 patients (36.8%) underwent reoperation.

Conclusion

Among pediatric patients, shoulder arthroscopy was indicated most commonly for instability, followed by brachial plexus birth palsy, and partial rotator cuff tears. Its use resulted in good clinical and radiographic outcomes with limited complications.

Level of Evidence

Systematic review of Level II to IV studies.

Assessment of the relationship between Brachial Plexus Profile activity short form scores and modified Mallet scores

INTRODUCTION

This study aims to assess the relationship between the modified Mallet classification and the Brachial Plexus Profile activity short form (BP-PRO activity SF). The therapist or surgeon classifies upper extremity movement for the modified Mallet classification, while the BP-PRO assesses parents' perceptions of difficulty performing activities.

PURPOSE

To provide a deeper understanding of the relationship of functional and perceived outcome measurements.

STUDY DESIGN

Prospective, correlational design.

METHODS

Eighty children with brachial plexus birth injuries were evaluated using the modified Mallet classification, while parents simultaneously answered the BP-PRO activity SF questions. All patients had undergone one of three surgical interventions to improve shoulder function. The relationship between the two measures, patient injury levels, and surgical histories were assessed.

RESULTS

The average modified Mallet scores and BP-PRO activity SF scores weakly correlated (r = 0.312, P = .005) and both measures differentiated between C5-6 and C5-7 injury levels (P = .03 and P = .02, respectively). Conversely, the modified Mallet scores could differentiate between the three surgical groups (F = 8.2, P < .001), while the BP-PRO activity SF could not (P = .54).

CONCLUSION

The results suggest that these tools measure different aspects of patient outcomes. The Mallet classification may be more focused on shoulder motion than the BP-PRO activity SF. Additional questions that specifically require shoulder function could be incorporated into the BP-PRO activity SF to improve understanding of patient/parent perceptions of shoulder function for children with brachial plexus injuries. Clinicians should be aware of the strengths, weaknesses, and limitations of each outcome assessment tool for appropriate use and interpretation of results.

Surgical Soft Tissue Management for Glenohumeral Deformity and Contractures in Brachial Plexus Birth Injury : A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

PURPOSE OF THE REVIEW

Consensus on the effects of soft tissue surgical intervention in the management of brachial plexus birth injury (BPBI) sequalae is lacking. The purpose of this review is to examine the available literature on the functional and structural outcomes following soft tissue surgical management of BPBI sequalae.

RECENT FINDINGS

EMBASE, PubMed, and MEDLINE were searched for related literature from the point of database inception until April 2021. Relevant papers were screened by two reviewers independently and in duplicate. A meta-analysis was performed using a random effects model. A total of 25 studies (852 patients) were included in the review, with the number included in each meta-analysis varying based on outcome of interest. There were significant improvements from pre- to post-operative time points for the following measures: Mallet aggregate scores (5.0 points, p<0.0001), active external rotation in adduction (48.9°, p=0.003), passive external rotation in adduction (64.6°, p< 0.00001), active abduction (46.2°, p<0.00001), glenoid version (14.4°, p< 0.00001), and percentage of the humeral head anterior to the scapular line (17.53°, p< 0.00001). Furthermore, data revealed an overall complication rate of 9.3% (79/852 patients) and a major complication rate of 0.47% (4/852 patients). Patients with BPBI sequela experience statistically significant improvements in functional, structural, and range of motion outcomes of the GH joint following soft tissue surgical management. Understanding the ideal indications for each procedure and age of surgical management with future prospective studies will help to optimize surgical management of these patients.

Effect of arthroscopic shoulder release on shoulder mobility and bone deformity following brachial plexus birth injury: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Specific information to guide clinical practice is lacking for the effects of arthroscopic release on bone and joint deformities, as well as the additional benefits of tendon transfer, in children with brachial plexus birth injury. The aims of this study were (1) to evaluate changes in shoulder mobility and bone and joint deformity, (2) to evaluate the effect of release with and without tendon transfer on the same outcomes, and (3) to evaluate the perioperative and long-term complications.

METHODS

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis. Four databases were searched using relevant inclusion and exclusion criteria from inception until May 2020. The quality of articles was evaluated using the Methodological Index for Non-randomized Studies (MINORS) scale. Data regarding patients, interventions, and clinical and radiologic outcomes were reported.

RESULTS

Thirteen articles were included: 6 of low quality and 7 of moderate quality separated into 17 studies (266 children). The mean follow-up duration was 32.4 months (standard deviation, 15.2 months). Arthroscopic release significantly improved the Mallet score (standardized mean difference [SMD], 3.1 [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.5-4.7]; P < .001) and passive external rotation (SMD, 3.6 [95% CI, 2.3-4.9]; P = .02). The percentage of humeral head anterior (SMD, 1.3 [95% CI, 0.7-1.9]; P = .003) and glenoid retroversion (SMD, 1.4 [95% CI, 0.9-2]; P = .01) also improved. Descriptive analysis of the data suggested that concomitant tendon transfer further improved mobility. Recurrence of internal-rotation contracture was reported in 8 of 157 children.

DISCUSSION

This systematic review showed that arthroscopic release effectively improves both shoulder mobility and bone deformity, with few complications in young children with brachial plexus birth injury. As such, it seems reasonable to propose a stepwise approach starting with a release without transfer.

Shoulder internal rotation contracture in brachial plexus birth injury: proximal or distal subscapularis release?

BACKGROUND

In cases of brachial plexus birth injury with internal rotation contracture of the shoulder, the subscapularis muscle may be released proximally, from the subscapular fossa, or distally, along with periarticular soft tissues arthroscopic to the glenohumeral joint. We hypothesized that the indication for each procedure would rely primarily on patients' bone remodeling potential and periarticular soft-tissue contractures, performing proximal releases in patients aged < 4 years and periarticular distal releases in older patients. The purpose of this study was to analyze the outcomes such a strategy could provide.

METHODS

All patients presenting with brachial plexus birth injury-related shoulder internal rotation contractures who underwent a subscapularis release were included; in addition, to restore the joint axial balance, the infraspinatus was systematically reanimated with a tendon transfer (ie, latissimus dorsi or lower trapezius) during the same operating time. Chart review yielded preoperative and postoperative clinical and radiographic measurements, including active and passive range of motion of the shoulder in external rotation (ER) with the arm at the side of the body, the modified Mallet score, glenoid version, and the percentage of the humeral head arthroscopic to the middle of the glenoid process.

RESULTS

Between July 2012 and January 2018, 28 children were operated on at our institution. In patients who underwent proximal subscapularis release (n = 13), significant improvements were observed regarding active shoulder ER, passive shoulder ER, the modified Mallet score, glenoid version, and the percentage of the humeral head arthroscopic to the middle of the glenoid process, averaging 58° ± 32° (P < .0001), 56° ± 20° (P < .0001), 9.7 ± 3.1 points (P = .0006), 15° ± 10° (P = .0034), and 24% ± 20% (P = .0113), respectively, after a mean follow-up period of 4 years. Following distal release procedures (n = 15), these improvements averaged 26° ± 29° (P = .0024), 27° ± 28° (P = .0011), 3.3 ± 4.1 points (P = .0049), 2° ± 17° (P = .4086), and 4% ± 18% (P = .215), respectively, after a mean follow-up period of 3 years.

CONCLUSION

When combined with axial rebalancing of the joint, the proximal release of the subscapularis muscle appears to be sufficient to provide satisfactory functional outcomes in patients with great bone remodeling potential and supple periarticular soft tissues. In older patients, a more comprehensive release of the glenohumeral joint's arthroscopic aspect seems to provide lower but still significant clinical improvements.

Efficacy of 3 therapeutic taping configurations for children with brachial plexus birth palsy

STUDY DESIGN

Cross-sectional clinical measurement study.

INTRODUCTION

Scapular winging is a frequent complaint among children with brachial plexus birth palsy (BPBP). Therapeutic taping for scapular stabilization has been reported to decrease scapular winging.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY

This study aimed to determine which therapeutic taping construct was most effective for children with BPBP.

METHODS

Twenty-eight children with BPBP participated in motion capture assessment with 4 taping conditions: (1) no tape, (2) facilitation of rhomboid major and rhomboid minor, (3) facilitation of middle and lower trapezius, and (4) facilitation of rhomboid major, rhomboid minor, and middle and lower trapezius (combination of both 2 and 3, referred to as combined taping). The participants held their arms in 4 positions: (1) neutral with arms by their sides, (2) hand to mouth, (3) hand to belly, and (4) maximum crossbody adduction (CBA). The scapulothoracic, glenohumeral and humerothoracic (HT) joint angles and joint angular displacements were compared using multivariate analyses of variance with Bonferroni corrections.

RESULTS

Scapular winging was significantly decreased in both the trapezius and combined taping conditions in all positions compared with no tape. Rhomboids taping had no effect. Combined taping reduced HT CBA in the CBA position.

CONCLUSIONS

Rhomboid taping cannot be recommended for treatment of children with BPBP. Both trapezius and combined taping approaches reduced scapular winging, but HT CBA was limited with combined taping. Therefore, therapeutic taping of middle and lower trapezius was the most effective configuration for scapular stabilization in children with BPBP. Resting posture improved, but performance of the positions was not significantly improved.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level II.

Isolated open anterior shoulder release in brachial plexus birth palsy

BACKGROUND

In children with brachial plexus birth palsy (BPBP), a shoulder joint internal contracture is commonly observed, which may result in glenohumeral osseous deformities and posterior joint subluxation. The purpose of this retrospective study was to evaluate the impact of an isolated anterior shoulder release on osteoarticular disorders and assess the subsequent clinical improvements.

METHODS

Forty consecutive BPBP patients with glenohumeral dysplasia underwent an open anterior shoulder release. Shoulder scans (ie, magnetic resonance imaging preoperatively and computed tomography postoperatively) were conducted to assess glenoid version and the percentage of the humeral head anterior to the middle of the glenoid fossa. Clinical data including analytical shoulder range of motion and modified Mallet scores were collected.

RESULTS

After a mean follow-up period of 23 months, glenoid version and the percentage of the humeral head anterior to the middle of the glenoid fossa significantly improved from -32° and 18%, respectively, to mean postoperative values of -12° (P < .001) and 45% (P < .001), respectively. Passive and active external rotation increased from -2° and -43°, respectively, to 76° (P < .001) and 54° (P < .001), respectively. The mean modified Mallet score significantly improved from 14.2 to 21.4 points (P < .001). In 8 children with satisfactory passive motion, a latissimus dorsi transfer was performed secondarily to obtain satisfactory active motion.

CONCLUSION

In BPBP patients with glenohumeral deformities, isolated open anterior release of the shoulder induces significant remodeling of the joint, reducing posterior joint subluxation and improving both passive and active shoulder ranges of motion. Additional latissimus transfer remains mandatory in selected cases to achieve satisfactory function.

Arthroscopic Management of the Stiff Shoulder

Shoulder stiffness affects a diverse population of patients suffering a decrease in function and shoulder pain. Arthroscopic management of this debilitating spectrum of pathology is a safe and effective course of action in cases recalcitrant to nonoperative therapy. Arthroscopic management of the stiff shoulder has been reported to be effective in the treatment of stiffness due to adhesive capsulitis, birth palsy, stiffness in the setting of rotator cuff tears, and osteoarthritis in the posttraumatic patient, in the postoperative patient, and in the throwing athlete. Arthroscopic management is most effective in treating the stiff shoulder in the setting of adhesive capsulitis recalcitrant to nonoperative therapy or posttraumatic stiffness. Results are more guarded in the treatment of postoperative stiffness. Excessive force and trauma to the shoulder, including fracture of the humerus, can be avoided with a 360[degrees] capsular release for shoulder stiffness rather than manipulation under anesthesia.

Arthroscopic isolated capsular release for shoulder contracture after brachial plexus birth palsy: clinical outcomes in a prospective cohort of 28 children with 2 years' follow-up

BACKGROUND

The primary objective of this study was to evaluate improvements in external rotation after isolated arthroscopic capsular release in children with shoulder contracture due to brachial plexus birth palsy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This study included all children older than 2 years with a range of active external rotation limited to 30° or less and/or active anterior elevation (AE) limited to 90° or less secondary to brachial plexus palsy treated between 2011 and 2015. Passive glenohumeral motion, passive global (glenohumeral plus scapulothoracic) motion, active global motion for external rotation with the elbow at the side (ER1), AE, and internal rotation with the elbow at the side were recorded before and 2 years after surgery. Improvement was evaluated by comparing the preoperative and follow-up values. The operation performed was subscapularis-sparing arthroscopic capsular release.

RESULTS

Thirty-five patients were included, and 28 completed 2 years of follow-up. The average changes in active global ER1, passive glenohumeral ER1, and passive global ER1 were +35° (range, -20° to +100°; P <.0001), +35° (range, +0° to +75°; P <.0001), and +26° (range, -15° to +60°; P <.0001), respectively. There were no significant changes in internal rotation with the elbow at the side or AE. The mean improvement in the aggregate Mallet score was 3.9 points (range, -3 to +9 points; P <.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

For children with shoulder contracture secondary to brachial plexus palsy, subscapularis-sparing isolated capsular release improves external rotation and functional scores and avoids any loss of active internal rotation but does not improve AE.