Triangle tilt surgery as salvage procedure for failed shoulder surgery in obstetric brachial plexus injury

Abstract

Purpose The study was conducted to review the effects of triangle tilt surgery in children with OBPI (obstetric brachial plexus injury) who had previously undergone several operative procedures at other hospitals before presenting at our institute. Methods The study included a group of 48 OBPI patients who had undergone previous operative procedures at outside hospitals by other surgeons. Patients were assessed for shoulder function using their radiological reports and the modified Mallet functional scale. The same patients underwent the triangle tilt procedure at our institution and were re-evaluated for shoulder function. Results The results of the study showed an increase in Mallet scores from 11.88 points to 15.17 points (P<0.01), improvement in PHHA (percentage of humeral head anterior to the glenoid) from 14% to 25% (P<0.05), enhancement in glenoid version from -32° to -25° (P<0.01), and a decrease in the SHEAR (scapular hypoplasia, elevation, and rotation) deformity after surgery. Conclusion The data obtained demonstrated that the triangle tilt procedure significantly enhanced shoulder function and glenohumeral congruity in these patients as evidenced by the improvements in Mallet scores, PHHA, glenoid version, and SHEAR deformity. © Springer-Verlag 2010.