[Bilateral biceps replacement-plasty by transposition of the latissimus dorsi muscle in arthrogryposis multiplex congenita. A case report]

Abstract

The case of a four-year old girl with arthrogryposis multiplex congenita is reported. Primary clinical examination revealed bilateral passive elbow flexion only 0-20-70 without active elbow flexion. A two-stage operative procedure was chosen for both sides. At first an elbow arthrolysis was performed with subsequent intensive physiotherapy. In a second session we performed a bipolar transposition of the latissimus dorsi as a myocutaneous flap. The patient was first operated on the left and afterwards on the right side. By this procedure, the patient achieved a significant improvement of both passive and active elbow flexion mobility. The range of active motion was 0-30-90 and 0-40-90 degrees.