Kinematic Analysis of Latissimus Dorsi Transfer Results for Shoulder External Rotation Resuscitation
This study focuses on children aged 6-18 who had a specific surgery called a 'latissimus dorsi transfer' at least two years ago for a birth injury affecting their shoulder (neonatal brachial plexus palsy). This injury can make it hard to turn the arm outwards. The surgery moves a back muscle to help with this. Researchers want to understand, in detail, how well the arm moves after this surgery. They are especially interested in whether an extra step during the operation, called 'subscapularis release' (which involves loosening a tight muscle), makes a difference. The study will analyse arm movements using special sensors and compare results between children who had the extra step and those who didn't. This research aims to improve future surgical treatment for children with this condition, helping them regain better arm function.
At a glance
What is this study about?
This research study is looking at children who had a special type of surgery for a condition called 'neonatal brachial plexus palsy'. This condition happens to some babies during birth and can cause weakness or difficulty moving their arm, especially turning it outwards. One common surgery to help with this is called a 'latissimus dorsi transfer'. This involves moving a muscle from the back to the shoulder to help it move better.
The main goal of this study is to understand, in great detail, how well the arm moves after this surgery. The researchers are particularly interested in whether an extra step during the operation, called 'subscapularis release' (which means loosening a tight muscle in the shoulder), helps improve movement even more. They will use special equipment to measure arm movements very precisely.
By comparing children who had the muscle loosened during surgery with those who didn't, the researchers hope to find out if this extra step makes a big difference to how the arm works in the long term. They also want to identify other factors that might affect recovery, such as how old the child was when they had the surgery or the original severity of their injury. This information will help doctors understand the best ways to perform this surgery in the future, ultimately leading to better outcomes for children with this birth injury.
Key takeaways
- Researchers are studying arm movement after a specific shoulder surgery for a birth injury.
- The study aims to understand if loosening a tight shoulder muscle during surgery helps long-term.
- Special sensors will be used to measure arm movements very precisely.
- Results will help improve future surgical treatments for children with this condition.
- Participation involves one 1.5-hour visit, with no medication involved.
- Open to children aged 6-18 who had the surgery at least two years ago.
Who may be eligible?
To join this study, children need to be between 6 and 18 years old. They must have had ‘neonatal brachial plexus palsy’ – a type of arm weakness from birth – and undergone a specific surgery called a 'latissimus dorsi transfer' at least two years ago. They also need to have had an MRI scan of their shoulder after their operation.
It’s important that parents or legal guardians of children under 18 understand the study well and agree for their child to take part. Unfortunately, if a child has the brachial plexus injury in both arms, or if the family can't understand the study information in French, they won't be able to participate.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Is my child between 6 and 18 years old?
- Did my child have 'neonatal brachial plexus palsy' at birth?
- Did my child have a 'latissimus dorsi transfer' surgery at least two years ago?
- Does my child have an MRI scan report from after their surgery?
- Can we understand the study information in French?
- Does my child only have the brachial plexus injury in one arm?
What does participation involve?
If your child takes part in this study, they will need to visit the Trousseau hospital for one session, which will last about an hour and a half. During this visit, a friendly clinician involved in the study will welcome you and your child. They will assess your child's shoulder movement using a special scoring system.
To measure arm movements accurately, small sensors will be gently placed on your child's skin on their arm and shoulder. These sensors use electromagnetic waves, similar to how GPS works, to track movement. Your child will then be asked to perform five specific arm movements, which will be guided by the clinician. Specialized equipment will record these movements in detail to understand how your child's arm is working. No medication is involved in this study.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- Name Service de Chirurgie orthopédique de l'hopital TrousseauVerified postcodeParis, France
Common questions
What is 'neonatal brachial plexus palsy'?
It's an injury to the nerves in the neck and shoulder that happens to some babies during birth, which can cause weakness or difficulty moving their arm.
What is a 'latissimus dorsi transfer'?
It's a surgery where a muscle from the back (latissimus dorsi) is moved to the shoulder to help improve arm rotation and movement.
What does 'subscapularis release' mean?
It's an additional step in surgery where a tight muscle in the front of the shoulder (subscapularis) is loosened to potentially allow better arm movement.
Will my child need to take any medicine?
No, this study does not involve any medication. It focuses on measuring existing arm movement.
How long will the study visit take?
The visit will last about an hour and a half and will take place at Trousseau hospital.
How to find out more
Franck Fitoussi, PUPH MD, PhD
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
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