Open Anterior Subscapularis Release for Adduction and Medial Rotation Shoulder Contracture in Neonatal Brachial...

Adduction and medial rotation shoulder contracture are prevalent in unresolved neonatal brachial plexus palsy (NBPP). Various surgical options exist, including open anterior subscapularis release, to address this condition. This study assessed the outcomes of this procedure.

This cross-sectional, observational study focused on a cohort of children aged over 12 months who underwent open anterior subscapularis release to remedy residual shoulder contracture from upper or global NBPP over 11 years. The Mallet score was utilised to appraise deficits in shoulder function.

The study included 32 patients. The sex ratio was 0.78. The median age at surgery was 36 months (25; 56). The right side was affected in 75% of cases. The median improvement in the Mallet score after subscapularis release was 4 (2; 6). This enhancement was statistically significant (P < 0.001), with a median follow-up duration of 78 months (72; 82). There was a substantial increase in shoulder abduction (P < 0.001) and lateral rotation (P < 0.001). Hand-to-mouth (P < 0.001) and hand-to-head (P < 0.001) manoeuvres exhibited significant enhancement. The hand-to-spine manoeuvre did not show a substantial alteration. A significant correlation was found between the injury severity and the enhancement of the Mallet score post-surgery (P = 0.009).

Open anterior subscapularis release yielded significant mid-term functional enhancements in shoulder motion, with no modification in medial rotation. Improvements were observed even in children beyond 4 years of age, with those having more severe injuries showing greater functional recovery.