Jove
Visualize
Contact Us
JoVE
x logofacebook logolinkedin logoyoutube logo
ABOUT JoVE
OverviewLeadershipBlogJoVE Help Center
AUTHORS
Publishing ProcessEditorial BoardScope & PoliciesPeer ReviewFAQSubmit
LIBRARIANS
TestimonialsSubscriptionsAccessResourcesLibrary Advisory BoardFAQ
RESEARCH
JoVE JournalMethods CollectionsJoVE Encyclopedia of ExperimentsArchive
EDUCATION
JoVE CoreJoVE BusinessJoVE Science EducationJoVE Lab ManualFaculty Resource CenterFaculty Site
Terms & Conditions of Use
Privacy Policy
Policies

Related Experiment Videos

Reconstructive operations for the upper limb after brachial plexus palsy.

Oliver Rühmann1, Stephan Schmolke, Michael Bohnsack

  • 1Orthopaedic Department, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany. ruehmann@annastift.de

American Journal of Orthopedics (Belle Mead, N.J.)
|September 4, 2004
PubMed
Summary

Secondary reconstructive surgery can significantly improve function in patients with paralysis from brachial plexus lesions. These integrated therapeutic operations restore shoulder, elbow, and hand function, enhancing quality of life.

Related Concept Videos

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by
Same author

Operative Orthopadie und Traumatologie·2026
Same author

[Hip arthroscopy for painful endoprosthesis].

Operative Orthopadie und Traumatologie·2026
Same author

Amorphous calcium deposits of the hip joint: current observations and state of the scientific discussion.

Archives of orthopaedic and trauma surgery·2022
Same author

[Hip arthroscopy technique].

Operative Orthopadie und Traumatologie·2021
Same author

Convalescence after arthroscopic capsular release in frozen shoulder.

Journal of orthopaedics·2020
Same author

Calcifying tendinitis and outlet impingement - Evaluation of the prevalence analyzing radiological and intraoperative criteria.

Journal of orthopaedics·2020

Area of Science:

  • Orthopedic Surgery
  • Neurosurgery
  • Rehabilitation Medicine

Background:

  • Brachial plexus lesions often result in significant upper extremity paralysis and functional limitations.
  • Restoring function requires addressing bony and soft tissue deficits through secondary reconstructive procedures.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the efficacy of an integrated therapy concept using secondary reconstructive operations for brachial plexus palsy.
  • To assess functional outcomes in shoulder, elbow, and hand following various surgical interventions.

Main Methods:

  • A retrospective analysis of 144 reconstructive operations performed on 109 patients with brachial plexus lesions between 1994 and 2000.
  • Procedures included shoulder arthrodesis, trapezius transfer, osteotomies, and tendon transpositions.

Related Experiment Videos

  • Muscle power was prospectively evaluated pre- and post-operatively with an average follow-up of 22 months.

    • Main Results:

    • 100% improvement in shoulder function and hand/finger/thumb function.
    • >90% improvement in shoulder stability and 85% improvement in elbow flexion.
    • Significant functional gains were achieved across various reconstructive procedures.

    Conclusions:

    • Secondary reconstructive surgery, guided by an integrated therapy approach, effectively restores function in brachial plexus palsy.
    • Individualized treatment plans incorporating muscle transpositions, arthrodeses, and osteotomies are crucial for optimizing upper extremity function.
    • Operative interventions offer substantial benefits for patients with paralysis due to brachial plexus lesions.