Transposición de los músculos dorsal ancho y redondo mayor para el tratamiento de la parálisis braquial obstétrica

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.