Shoulder arthrodesis in pediatric patients.

Shoulder arthrodesis was performed in 17 pediatric patients. Diagnoses included birth-related brachial plexus palsy (six patients), posttraumatic palsy (three patients), and residual paralysis after poliomyelitis (eight patients). The position of fusion was not as important as the stability gained by the patient. Excessive abduction or forward flexion should be avoided, however, because this can be cosmetically displeasing to patients.