Pronating radius osteotomy for supination deformity in children with obstetric brachial plexus palsy

PURPOSE: In obstetric brachial plexus lesions, muscle imbalance caused by active supinator muscles and paralyzed pronator muscles can result in a supination position of the wrist, which, apart from cosmesis, may interfere with function. METHODS: In this retrospective study, we describe the results of a pronating radius osteotomy for supination deformity of the hand in children with an obstetric brachial plexus lesion. RESULTS: After a mean follow-up of 23 months, all 8 patients (mean age, 9.4 years; range, 4-13 years), operated between 1998 and 2006, had improved functionally and aesthetically. CONCLUSIONS: All patients had improved functionally and aesthetically. © 2008 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Inc.