Combined glenohumeral arthrodesis and above-elbow amputation for the flail limb following a complete posttraumatic brachial plexus injury. 2005

Asheesh Bedi, and Bruce Miller, and Peter J L Jebson
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.

The treatment of a severe traction injury resulting in complete, posttraumatic brachial plexus palsy remains a daunting challenge to the upper extremity surgeon. Operative intervention must address painful glenohumeral instability while optimizing functional rehabilitation. Glenohumeral arthrodesis has been shown to reliably alleviate pain from shoulder instability and place the extremity in a functional position for activities of daily living. An above the elbow amputation has also been advocated to remove the flail insensate extremity and create a stable stump for prosthetic training and rehabilitation. We describe the technique of a combined glenohumeral arthrodesis and above elbow amputation to address the flail insensate limb following a severe posttraumatic brachial plexus injury. In our clinical experience, the combination of procedures results in an improved pain level, enhances shoulder stability, encourages functional rehabilitation via prosthetic fitting, and is associated with high patient satisfaction.

UI MeSH Term Description Entries
D011183 Postoperative Complications Pathologic processes that affect patients after a surgical procedure. They may or may not be related to the disease for which the surgery was done, and they may or may not be direct results of the surgery. Complication, Postoperative,Complications, Postoperative,Postoperative Complication
D001917 Brachial Plexus The large network of nerve fibers which distributes the innervation of the upper extremity. The brachial plexus extends from the neck into the axilla. In humans, the nerves of the plexus usually originate from the lower cervical and the first thoracic spinal cord segments (C5-C8 and T1), but variations are not uncommon. Plexus, Brachial
D006801 Humans Members of the species Homo sapiens. Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man
D000070599 Shoulder Injuries Injuries involving the SHOULDERS and SHOULDER JOINT. SLAP Tears,Superior Labrum from Anterior to Posterior Injuries,Injuries, Shoulder,Injury, Shoulder,SLAP Tear,Shoulder Injury,Tear, SLAP,Tears, SLAP
D000671 Amputation, Surgical The surgical removal of part of, or all of, a limb or other appendage or outgrowth of the body. Amputation,Amputation, Multiple, Surgical,Multiple Amputation, Surgical,Surgical Amputation Procedures,Amputation Procedure, Surgical,Amputation Procedures, Surgical,Amputation, Surgical Multiple,Amputations,Amputations, Surgical,Amputations, Surgical Multiple,Multiple Amputations, Surgical,Procedure, Surgical Amputation,Procedures, Surgical Amputation,Surgical Amputation,Surgical Amputation Procedure,Surgical Amputations,Surgical Multiple Amputation,Surgical Multiple Amputations
D001134 Arm Injuries General or unspecified injuries involving the UPPER ARM and the FOREARM. Injuries, Arm,Arm Injury,Injury, Arm
D001174 Arthrodesis The surgical fixation of a joint by a procedure designed to accomplish fusion of the joint surfaces by promoting the proliferation of bone cells. (Dorland, 28th ed) Arthrodeses
D012785 Shoulder Joint The articulation between the head of the HUMERUS and the glenoid cavity of the SCAPULA. Glenohumeral Joint,Glenoid Labrum,Glenohumeral Joints,Joint, Glenohumeral,Joint, Shoulder,Joints, Glenohumeral,Joints, Shoulder,Labrum, Glenoid,Shoulder Joints

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