Orthopedic evaluation and surgical treatment of the spastic shoulder.

Abstract

The spastic shoulder can often result from brain injury that causes disruption in the upper motor neuron inhibitory pathways. Patients develop dyssynergic muscle activation, muscle weakness, and contractures and often present with fixed adduction and internal rotation deformity to the limb. This article reviews the importance of a comprehensive preoperative evaluation and discusses appropriate treatment strategies based on preoperative evaluation.