Trapezius transfer for shoulder paralysis: 6 patients with brachial plexus injuries followed for 1 year

Abstract

We transferred the trapezius with its bone insertion to the proximal humerus in 6 patients for treatment of a paralytic shoulder secondary to traumatic lesions of the brachial plexus. After 1 year, the shoulder abduction was improved from average 13°(0°-30°) preoperatively to 76°(50°-100°) postoperatively, and the shoulder flexion from 18°(0°-40°) to 78°(45°-110°) postoperatively. All the patients were satisfied with the outcome. We consider that transfer of the trapezius in a paralytic shoulder after brachial plexus injury gives a better outcome than shoulder fusion.