shoulder surgery
Last reviewed 01/2018
Shoulder surgery for arthrogryposis aims to correct a number of problems:
- internal rotation of the humerus
- poorly developed musculature
- capsular contracture
Muscle release may have negative consequences in that children often use adduction of the arm against the torso to grip objects. An alternative approach is to undertake an osteotomy of the humerus and externally rotate it. The final position that the bone is fixed in has a slight residual internal rotation to permit the hand to have an arc that can reach the mouth.