PubMed · 5651335
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P F Williams. 1968. Quadriceps contracture.. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/5651335/
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PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: In the framework of a prospective study on transposition of the m. pectoralis major according to Clark in patients with type I arthrogryposis multiplex congenita, electromyography was carried out in order to determine pre-operative states of the elbow joint flexors and m. pectoralis major and then the post-operative electric activity of a transposed muscle and to correlate changes with clinical findings. Histological examination was performed to reveal changes in muscle morphology and to complete a comprehensive assessment of muscle transposition. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Electromyography was carried out on nine upper limbs of five pediatric patients aged 4.3 to 8.9 years. Using a needle electrode, activities of the elbow flexors (m. biceps and m. brachialis), m. pectoralis major, m. triceps brachii and m. deltoideus were examined. In the post-operative period, activity was repeatedly measured in both the transposed and non-transposed parts of the m. pectoralis major. In one patient, histological examination of muscle tissue was performed at 26 months after transposition; light microscopy of paraffin-mounted sections stained with hematoxylin-eosin was used. RESULTS: Out of seven arms examined by electromyography before muscle transfer, six showed complete and one incomplete atrophy of the m. biceps brachii and m. brachialis. The m. pectoralis major had a five- to four-degree electric activity, which provided enough strength for transposition. Post-operative examination revealed changes leading to re-innervation of the transposed muscle, which corresponded to a partial denervation of the muscle followed by repair of innervation. None of the muscles was markedly atrophic due to denervation. In muscles with a higher electric activity, clinical outcomes were better, although electric activity always slightly exceeded clinical activity. In terms of electric activity, the transposed muscle was stabilized a year after surgery. Non-transposed parts of the muscle were not damaged by the surgical procedure, as shown by electromyography. Histological examination showed the muscle at a state of partial atrophy but with signs of ongoing regeneration of muscle fibers. DISCUSSION: No data on examination of the electric activity of the m. pectoralis major following its transposition in patients with arthrogryposis multiplex congenita have been reported in the literature. Electromyography in this study proved useful for providing information on the electric activity of a muscle before transposition and on contractility of the muscle after surgery; it also allowed us to distinguish between a mechanical failure of transfer and muscle atrophy due to neurogenic or vascular causes. All transposed muscles that were examined revealed changes indicating a minimum denervation followed by re-innervation. This finding was confirmed by the results of histological examination. CONCLUSIONS: Electromyography showed that the electric activity of a transposed muscle corresponded to the clinical presentation of this muscle and thus became an indispensable part of both pre- and post-operative examination. Both electromyographic and histological examination confirmed the applicability of the treatment described here.
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After an uneventful pregnancy a girl was born with serious joint contractures and several fractures of the long bones. The family history was negative for congenital abnormalities. Based on the distinct clinical presentation the diagnosis was 'amyoplasia', which is a partial aplasia of skeletal muscles. The cause of amyoplasia is unknown. As well as the partial muscle aplasia, which is symmetrical and mainly affects the extremities, joint contractures and deep dimples in the skin around the joints are present. Several frequently associated abnormalities have been reported, including abdominal hernias, midface capillary haemangiomas and hypoplastic external genitalia. The condition is always sporadic; there is a striking discordance within monozygotic twins and the offspring of patients is normal. In contrast with the severe neonatal presentation, the clinical prognosis is relatively good owing to intensive multidisciplinary treatment and the normal intelligence of the patients.