[Amputation and arthrodesis of the shoulder joint after brachial plexus lesions]

Nine patients with severe irreversible brachial plexus lesions were submitted to arthrodesis of the shoulder joint and/or amputation of the forearm, the latter with the object of fitting an artificial limb. In one patient, the arm was re-implanted and biceps function of strength M2 was obtained. Three patients were submitted to microsurgical interventions on the plexus. All of the patients were visited in their homes after an average period of observation of three years (1-8 years). Seven patients were equipped with prostheses, three of these with myoelectric prostheses. One patient employed an orthosis and one had been submitted to arthrodesis of the shoulder joint only. Three of the patients were fitted with prostheses 12 years after the accident but nevertheless obtained good prosthetic function. One of these patients had even been fitted with a prosthesis on the non-dominant side. Forearm amputation was chosen in order to control rotation and to avoid projection of the proximal part of the prosthesis up over the shoulder joint. The absent/reduced sensibility at the level of the amputation did not result in pressure problems from the prosthesis. All of the patients used their prostheses. Pain is not an indication for amputation surgery but does not hinder a good functional result.