Trapezius muscle transfer in brachial plexus palsy
After experiencing severe brachial palsy affecting the shoulder, there are instances where additional surgical interventions become necessary to reinstate functionality. These procedures encompass shoulder arthrodesis, rotational osteotomy, muscle transfer, or a blend of these approaches. In cases where the deltoid and supraspinatus muscles are paralyzed, various muscle transfer methods have been proposed to rejuvenate the shoulder's mobility and stability.
One notable technique involves the utilization of the trapezius muscle transfer to address a flail shoulder following a brachial plexus injury. This intervention empowers patients to better position their arm, even when their functional recovery hasn't reached a level that can adequately support shoulder stability. The procedure itself is relatively straightforward, resulting in minimal blood loss, with the primary contraindication being advanced shoulder degeneration. Furthermore, it's worth noting that trapezius transfer can be synergistically employed in conjunction with other muscle transfers to attain optimal upper limb functionality. For an in-depth understanding of the technique, please refer to the associated webinar for comprehensive insights.
Speakers
- Samuel Ribak, MD