Copyright 1998 by The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, Incorporated Glenoid Deformity Secondary to Brachial Plexus Birth Palsy*

ABSTRACT The association between internal rota-tion contracture secondary to brachial plexus birth palsy and deformity and posterior dislocation of the gleno-humeral joint has been known for a long time. The precise nature of these deformities and their pathogen-esis, however, remain unclear. Twenty-five children, rang-ing in age from 1.5 to 13.5 years, had an operation to release an internal rotation contracture secondary to brachial plexus birth palsy; eleven had a latissimus dorsi transfer to augment external rotation power as well. Arthrograms were made intraoperatively in order to clarify the pathological changes that occur in the gleno-humeral joint during growth in patients who have this condition. Seven children had a concentric glenohumeral join