Related Experiment Videos
Reconstruction of shoulder function using a reflected long head biceps: a moment arm study.
C Y Tang1, A F T Mak, L K Hung
1Rehabilitation Engineering Center, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China.
Journal of Biomechanics
|July 20, 2002
Summary
A novel tendon transfer technique, the reflected long head biceps (RLHB) technique, offers a new solution for paralyzed shoulders after brachial plexus injury. This method avoids bone fixation and shows promising results for shoulder reconstruction.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic surgery
- Reconstructive surgery
- Biomechanics
Background:
- Brachial plexus injuries often result in shoulder paralysis, significantly impacting patient function.
- Existing tendon transfer techniques face limitations like insufficient donor muscle length and the need for bone fixation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce and evaluate the reflected long head biceps (RLHB) tendon transfer technique for paralyzed shoulders.
- To compare two surgical pathways (through-deltoid and sub-deltoid) within the RLHB technique.
- To assess the biomechanical feasibility of the RLHB technique by measuring moment arms.
Main Methods:
- The study proposed the RLHB technique, utilizing the long head of the biceps tendon as a graft.
- Two surgical approaches were investigated: through-deltoid (TD) and sub-deltoid (SD) pathways.
- Moment arms of the transferred tendons were measured at different shoulder elevations.
Main Results:
- The TD pathway demonstrated larger moment arms compared to the SD pathway.
- At zero elevation, average moment arms were 3.8cm (TD) and 3.0cm (SD).
- Moment arm differences increased with elevation, reaching 3.2cm (TD) and 1.2cm (SD) at 80 degrees.
Conclusions:
- The RLHB tendon transfer technique is clinically feasible for reconstructing paralyzed shoulders.
- The TD pathway offers superior biomechanical advantage over the SD pathway.
- This innovative approach overcomes limitations of traditional tendon transfers.