title: [Total paralysis of the brachial plexus. Value of the preservation of the limb and the restoration of active flexion of the elbow].
abstract: Twenty-six cases of complete brachial plexus paralysis treated surgically have been studied with particular regard to the function of the preserved limb after at least four years. A partial reinnervation was attempted in 27 cases including six neurotisations in the absence of a useful nerve stump. Out of these 28 patients, 14 remained completely paralysed and 14 recovered active elbow flexion equal to or greater than grade 3. Examination of these young injured patients showed that: 1. The preservation of the limb was always preferable to amputation which was only requested by one patient. 2. Active flexion of the elbow greatly improved the functional result by allowing certain types of holding and gripping activity and the ability to put the paralysed and insensitive hand into the pocket or supported on a surface. It also limits downward dislocation of the shoulder which is often painful.
authors.affiliation: Unité de chirurgie orthopédique et chirurgie de la main, Hôpital L'apeyronie, Montpellier.
authors.forename: Y
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Allieu
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Triki
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: de Godebout
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001917:Brachial Plexus / Q000293:injuries*; D004551:Elbow Joint / Q000503:physiopathology; D004954:Esthetics; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009119:Muscle Contraction; D010149:Postoperative Pain; D010243:Paralysis / Q000534:rehabilitation / Q000601:surgery*; D011184:Postoperative Period; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012785:Shoulder Joint / Q000503:physiopathology
vernacular_title: Les paralysies totales du plexus brachial. Valeur de la conservation du membre et de la restauration de la flexion active du coude.