Clavicle lengthening, a novel operation technique to reduce pain in brachial plexus birth injury patients.

BACKGROUND

Brachial plexus birth injury (BPBI) can lead to an imbalance of shoulder musculature that can lead to glenohumeral contractures, and joint and osseous deformities. Glenoid hypoplasia, lengthening of coracoid and acromion, protraction, lateral rotation and elevation of the scapula, and shortening of the clavicle can be observed. As a consequence, the trapezius, levator scapulae, rhomboid, and supraspinatus muscles are overloaded in daily activities causing pain, which can be difficult to treat conservatively. It is hypothesized that operative lengthening of the clavicle may lead to a more anatomic position of the scapula and periscapular muscles, which, as a consequence, may lead to less overloading pain. This study presents the results of this new technique in patients with BPBI.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Seven patients (median age 20 years) were included and underwent a lengthening osteotomy of the clavicle at the affective side. Preoperatively, the osseous deformities were confirmed with a computed tomography scan. Patient-reported outcome measures, Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder and Hand score, and Mallet score were evaluated pre- and postoperatively.

RESULTS

After a median of 42 (interquartile range [IQR]: 8.0) months' follow-up, all patients were satisfied with the result. The median numeric rating scale for satisfaction was 8.0 (IQR: 2). Pain decreased from a median numeric rating scale of 7.0 (IQR: 2) preoperatively to 2.0 (IQR: 3) at the final follow-up. The median Mallet score was 14.5 (IQR: 1) preoperatively and 14 (IQR: 0) at the final follow-up. The median Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder and Hand score was 36.7 (IQR: 24.1) at the final follow-up. All patients returned to their normal work without changes in working conditions.

CONCLUSION

Short-term follow-up shows that in patients with BPBI with a short clavicle at the affected side and malposition of the scapula, a lengthening osteotomy of the clavicle is a safe and promising technique to reduce pain based on overloading, without deterioration of shoulder function.