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Functional Evaluation of the Shoulder Following Latissimus Dorsi Muscle Transfer

1995; Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; Volume: 35; Issue: 4 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1097/00000637-199510000-00003

1536-3708

Frankie O. G. Fraulin, Gorman Louie, Lorelle Zorrilla, Wendy Tilley,

Shoulder and Clavicle Injuries

The dynamic muscle function of the shoulder in 26 patients (10 males, 16 females) who underwent a pedicled or free vascularized latissimus dorsi muscle transfer between 1985 and 1991 (mean follow-up, 4.4 yr) was studied. Instrumented muscle testing was performed on the Kinetic Communicator machine (Kin Com) and the Baltimore Therapeutic Equipment (BTE) work simulator. The female unilateral pedicle group (n = 13) showed a significant difference between operated and nonoperated shoulders for both peak torque (power) and work (endurance) measurements of shoulder adduction and extension on the Kin Com (mean ratios operated/nonoperated shoulders, 55% to 69%). They also showed significant differences for work performance on three of four BTE tests (mean ratios, 77% to 84%). The male free vascularized group (n = 10) similarly showed a significant deficit of both peak torque and work for shoulder extension and adduction on the Kin Com (mean ratios, 74% to 84%); however, they showed no deficit on the BTE tests. In conclusion, dynamic muscle tests demonstrate a deficit of muscle power and endurance of shoulder extension and adduction following latissimus dorsi muscle transfer.