Abstract
We tried arthroscopic release of the subscapularis tendon for two children with internal rotation contracture due to brachial plexus birth palsy. The patients were a 7-year-old boy and an 8-year old girl. Follow-up terms were 12 months and 6 months, respectively. Preoperative and postoperative ranges of motion and patients' satisfaction were investigated. Maximum range of external rotation in the 90 degree shoulder flexion position had improved by 20 degrees and 15 degrees, respectively. The boy was satisfied with relief from difficulty in sustaining the shoulder elevation position and the girl was satisfied with a sense of relaxation in the anterior part of the shoulder. Although there was a little benefit of this surgical technique, it was a less invasive procedure than established procedures such as external rotation osteotomy of the humerus or Gilbert's procedure of open subscapularis muscle release.
