Results of latissimus dorsi transfer in obstetrical brachial plexus injury.

This study reports on 9 patients with obstetrical brachial plexus injury who underwent a latissimus dorsi (LD) transfer to reconstruct external rotation of the upper extremity. Transfer of the LD to the rotator cuff is widely used for restoring shoulder abduction and external rotation in patients with obstetrical brachial plexus injury. Patients were classified according to type of paralysis, age of surgery, and shoulder function. This retrospective article evaluated the results of the LD transfer in a group of 9 patients. The study shows that in the near future, profit can be made in active and passive external rotation. © 2008 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Inc.