Assessment of Early Results of Latissimus Dorsi Tendon Transfer to Improve Shoulder Functions in Late Obstetrical Brachial Plexus Palsy

Background: Latissimus dorsi (LD) tendon transfer showed good results and outcomes in management of late obstetrical brachial plexus palsy. Objective: To assess the early results of LD transfer on external rotation and abduction of the shoulder in late obstetric brachial plexus palsy patients. Subjects and Methods: At Plastic Surgery Department, Zagazig University Hospitals, we conducted this observational case series study on a group of late obstetrical brachial plexus cases (as one group of 14 patients). Results: 57.1% of the affected limbs were right side and 42.9% were left side. 2 cases representing 14.3% of the total cases had history of primary surgery. 21.4% of the cases were affected at the level of C5-6 and 78.6% of the cases were affected at the level of C5-6-7. All cases showed significant improvement in all scores. The average operational time was 1.2 hours (from 1.1 hours as a minimum time and 1.5 hours as a maximum time). Conclusion: The results of our study support the advantage of LD tendon transfer in late obstetrical brachial plexus cases in improving the abduction and external rotation functions of the affected limb.