Arthrodesis for paralytic shoulder: review of ten patients.

Ten patients who had arthrodesis of their flail shoulders secondary to poliomyelitis were reviewed. The average age at the time of surgery was 15 years, 3 months, and follow-up range from one year eight months to seven years. Union occurred in each case, and no reoperations were required. Internal fixation was used for each patient, and this maintained the position of arthrodesis. All patients were significantly improved. Optimal position of fusion seems to be in 30 degrees of abduction, 30 degrees of forward flexion, and 45 degrees of internal rotation.