Orthopaedic Surgery

Shoulder problem with muscle weakness

Himani Patel was diagnosed at Erb’s palsy in first week of life. She was on physiotherapy initially and recovered partially. Unfortunately her shoulder muscles did not recover well and she could not raise her arm well. This led to difficulty in wearing clothes, combing hair and playing games.

She underwent tendon transfer operation. In this one of her strong muscles was shifted to help her weak muscles responsible for lifting the shoulder. She was put in special splint for first few weeks after surgery.

Gradually after six months of surgery with help of long and tiring physiotherapy she started lifing her arm well above her head level. Now she does not need any help in wearing clothes and can do her hair herself. This surgery has made her independent and boosted her morale.

Shoulder problem with bony deformity

Dhruv Patel had similar story. He had similar problem at birth but due to non availability of medical help in his village he could not get any treatment in his early childhood. Fortunately he had good recovery of his muscle power but due to uneven recovery the shape of his shoulder bone (humerus) was deformed as it had developed excessive internal turning. He underwent derotation osteotomy of upper humerus. Due to this he could not raise his arm, could not wear clothes, could not comb hair and could not properly eat.

After surgery he was in plaster, after removal of plaster he resumed normal movements of shoulder joint. Now he can eat as any other normal child and is independent in clothing and makes his hair himselt.

Multi Level Problem

Femisha was unfortunate girl having rare involvement of OBPP in both upper limbs. On one side she had problem of shoulder like Himani and on left side she had paralysis of wrist muscles leading to wrist drop. She could not raise her wrist which led to difficulty in holding even small things like brush, spoon or glass of water.

She was operated with tendon transfer surgery. One of her muscle in front of the wrist joint was put on back side. Now she is able to raise her wrist and lift things well. She has become significantly independent and is awaiting shoulder surgery on right side.