Sever-L'Episcopo tendon transfer in obstetric brachial plexus palsy

Obstetric brachial plexus palsy produces functional and cosmetic impairment. The Sever-L'Episcopo procedure has been successfully used to improve external rotation, primarily in younger patients. Previous studies have shown steady improvement in motion and function for 1 year from the date of surgery, with little additional change beyond this period. This is a retrospective study of 7 patients who have had the procedure at the Shriners Hospital for Children in Tampa, Florida. Functional and cosmetic results have been uniformly excellent at an average follow-up of 1 year 3 months. No complications have occurred. In addition, the degree of improvement seen in our relatively older patient population has not been previously detailed in the literature.