Modified Hoffer technique for treatment of internal rotation deformity in obstetric brachial plexus palsy

Introduction In the Hoffer technique, the tendons of the latissimus dorsi (LD) and teres major (TM) muscles are transferred to the rotator cuff posterior to the long head of the triceps muscle, which significantly improves external rotation and abduction range of motion in the shoulders of children with obstetric brachial plexus palsy (OBPP) with internal rotation contracture. Patients and methods Ten children with OBPP C5/C6 pattern were included in the study and underwent simultaneous subscapularis recession and transfer of the LD and TM tendons to the rotator cuff through a single posterior incision. The age at the time of surgery ranged from 3 years and 3 months to 14 years and 1 month, with an average age of 7 years. The age at initial evaluation ranged from 1 year and 6 months to 9 years and 8 months, with an average of 5 years and 11 months. Results There was significant improvement in the degree of active shoulder abduction, from a mean 72° (range 40–90°) preoperatively to 136° (range 90–180°) postoperatively. The preoperative passive shoulder external rotation averaged from 78° (range 0–100°) to 64°. The postoperative active external rotation ranged from 0 to 90°. Conclusion Transfer of LD and TM tendons through a single incision to the rotator cuff significantly increases the degree of abduction and external rotation in children with OBPP having internal rotation contracture.