title: Improving shoulder and elbow function in children with Erb's palsy.
abstract: Many children who sustain birth injuries to the brachial plexus suffer significant functional limitations due to various sequelae affecting the shoulder and elbow or forearm. The maintenance of full passive mobility during the period of neurological recovery is essential for normal joint development. Early surgical correction of shoulder contractures and subluxations reduces permanent deformity. Reconstruction of forearm rotation contractures significantly improves the appearance and use of the extremity for many basic activities. Each child must be carefully evaluated, therapy maximized, and the surgical approach individualized to obtain the best result.
authors.affiliation: Division of Pediatric Orthopedic Surgery, St. Luke's Roosevelt Hospital Center, New York, NY 10019, USA.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Price
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Tidwell
authors.forename: J A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Grossman
mesh_terms: D020516:Brachial Plexus Neuropathies / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000601:surgery*; D002648:Child; D004551:Elbow Joint / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D019637:Orthopedic Procedures; D010246:Paralysis, Obstetric / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000601:surgery*; D018579:Patient Selection; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D020127:Recovery of Function; D012785:Shoulder Joint / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery