The surgical treatment of disability of the elbow due to muscle weakness from brachial plexus palsy or other palalysis has been concerned with the restoration of flexion. And sometimes sufficient power to lock the elbow in extension while the patient is arising from a bed or chair is an important asset.
This report includes 21 flexoplasties and two extensor plasties which were performed from 1971 to 1987. According to the paralytic status of the patient, the choice of the reconstructive method has been decided. The methods include the intercostal nerves transfer (13 cases), Steindler's method (6 cases), the latissimus dorsi transplantation (3 cases) and the transposition of the biceps brachii (1 case).
The results of intercostal nerves transfer were influenced by the patient's age at the operation, and the power of the elbow flexor became 3 or 4 after one year from the surgery. The good flexor power was obtained by the Steindler's or latissimus dorsi transplantation method.
