Latissimus dorsi transfer to restore elbow extension in obstetrical palsy

Four patients with weak triceps muscle function, secondary to obstetrical palsy, were treated by transfer of the latissimus dorsi on its neurovascular pedicle to provide effective elbow extension. The average age of the patients at surgery was 10 years, and follow-up ranged from 12 to 53 months. Postoperatively, all patients demonstrated increased strength of elbow extension and improvement in activities of daily living. These satisfactory results support the use of latissimus dorsi transfer in patients with weak elbow extension secondary to obstetrical palsy.