A simple effective design for a thermoplastic shoulder spica following secondary surgery for obstetrical brachial plexus palsy
Giele H.
Secondary shoulder surgery is frequently needed to improve shoulder contracture and movement after obstetrical brachial plexus palsy. This surgery comprises subscapularis release coupled in half the cases with tendon transfers, and is generally performed from ages three to nine years. Postoperatively, a shoulder splint is used to immobilize the shoulder in a position that maintains the released position and prevents tension on the tendon transfer, if performed. A thermoplastic splint design that is light and effective is presented. © 2009, British Association of Hand Therapists Limited. All rights reserved.