[Palliative treatment of a series of 103 cases of paralysis from elongation of the brachial plexus. Spontaneous changes and results].

The authors have observed 103 cases of brachial plexus paralysis due to trauma. There were 65 total and 38 partial paralysis. The follow-up was for more than 5 years in half of the cases. Twenty-one of the 65 total paralysis showed no recovery. Total or partial recovery occurred in other cases. Recovery was more complete when it began earlier, within a few days or weeks, but, in a number of cases, isolated muscles such as biceps recovered after two, three or even four years. The authors analyse the results of peripheral surgery. Amputation did not improve patient function. Arthrodesis of the shoulder, tendon transfers for the restoration of finger extension and Stenidler procedures at the elbow gave good results. Tendon transfers at the shoulder (Clark procedure), operations for restoration of opposition of the thumb and transfers of triceps to biceps were beneficial. Poor results were obtained after arthrodesis of the wrist, complex tendon transfers in the hand and transfers of latissimus dorsi and teres major. A direct surgical approach to the lesion is indicated when there is no recovery after two months.