[Replacement of the upper arm flexor muscles by m. latissimus dorsi in partial paralysis of the arm plexus].

Different methods of muscle transfer are described for restoration of elbow flexion. The most important procedures are: Proximal transposition of the origin of forearm flexor muscles to the distal humeral shaft as described by Steindler, transfer of the triceps muscle to the flexor side of the upper arm, and biceps-replacement by transfer of pectoralis major muscle. Besides these methods transposition of the latissimus dorsi muscle to the flexor side of the upper arm provides good restitution of elbow flexion. In case of concurrent non-functioning shoulder muscles a shoulder arthrodesis performed as a second intervention is useful. The combination of a shoulder-arthrodesis and a latissimus-dorsi-transfer are demonstrated in a typical case.