Coracohumeral Ligament Sectioning in Teres Major versus Latissimus Dorsi Tendon Transfer in Brachial Plexus Birth Palsy

Background The latissimus dorsi tendon transfer (LDTT) to the supraspinatus tendon is a common procedure for restoring shoulder abduction and external rotation in upper root brachial plexus lesions. However, its association with scapular retraction often limits shoulder abduction. Methods This retro...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores: Gutierrez-Pereira, J, Garcia-Lopez, A
Tipo de recurso: artículo
Estado:Versión publicada
Fecha de publicación:2025
País:España
Institución:Instituto de Investigación Biomédica y Sanitaria de Alicante (ISABIAL)
Repositorio:r-ISABIAL. Repositorio Institucional de Producción Científica del Instituto de Investigación Biomédica y Sanitaria de Alicante
OAI Identifier:oai:dnet:isabial_____::9d8e9aa363d657a3f2e38cecef65e53f
Acceso en línea:https://isabial.portalinvestigacion.com/publicaciones12637
https://www.thieme-connect.com/products/ejournals/abstract/10.1055/a-2618-3151
Access Level:acceso abierto
Palabra clave:coracohumeral ligament
latissimus dorsi
brachial plexus birth injury
tendon transfer
teres major
Descripción
Sumario:Background The latissimus dorsi tendon transfer (LDTT) to the supraspinatus tendon is a common procedure for restoring shoulder abduction and external rotation in upper root brachial plexus lesions. However, its association with scapular retraction often limits shoulder abduction. Methods This retrospective study compared the functional outcomes of teres major tendon transfer (TMTT) combined with anterior coracohumeral ligament release (CHLR) versus LDTT. Patients who underwent surgery at our center between January 2012 and December 2022 were included, with a mean follow-up of 38 months. Outcomes were assessed using a range of motion and the Mallet scale. Results A total of 40 patients were included, with 20 undergoing TMTT with CHLR and 20 undergoing LDTT. The overall mean age was 3.9 years (range: 2.7-4.8), with mean ages of 3.4 years (range: 2.2-5.2) in the LDTT group and 4.1 years (range: 2.8-5.2) in the TMTT with the CHLR group. The TMTT with CHLR group achieved mean gains of +77 degrees in active abduction, +44 degrees in active external rotation, and +46 degrees in passive external rotation. In comparison, the LDTT group demonstrated gains of +46, +27, and +24 degrees, respectively, for the same parameters. Conclusion TMTT combined with anterior CHLR significantly improves shoulder abduction and external rotation in patients with Brachial plexus birth injury, particularly those with internal rotation contractures. This technique offers superior functional outcomes compared to LDTT, suggesting a more effective therapeutic alternative.Level of Evidence IV, retrospective comparative study.