We report the results of performing a pronating osteotomy of the radius, coupled with other soft-tissue procedures, as part of an upper limb functional surgery programme in tetraplegic patients with supination contractures.

In total 12 patients were reviewed with a mean follow-up period of 60 months (12 to 109). Pre-operatively, passive movement ranged from a mean of 19.2° pronation (−70° to 80°) to 95.8° supination (80° to 140°). A pronating osteotomy of the radius was then performed with release of the interosseous membrane. Extension of the elbow was restored postoperatively in 11 patients, with key-pinch reconstruction in nine.

At the final follow-up every patient could stabilise their hand in pronation, with a mean active range of movement of 79.6° (60° to 90°) in pronation and 50.4° (0° to 90°) in supination. No complications were observed. The mean strength of extension of the elbow was 2.7 (2 to 3) MRC grading.

Pronating osteotomy stabilises the hand in pronation while preserving supination, if a complete release of the interosseous membrane is also performed. This technique fits well into surgical programmes for enhancing upper limb function.

Purpose: Talipes equinus is a frequent deformity observed in patients with central nervous disease. The surgical strategy is based on an assessment of the spasticity and retraction elements in the deformity and the presence or not of antagonistic muscles. We propose a codified treatment strategy and present results obtained over the last two years.

Material and methods: All patients who underwent surgical treatment for central neurological talipes equinus between 1998 and 1999 were included in this study. All patients were seen by the orthopaedic surgeon and the physical education and rehabilitation physician at the preoperative consultation. Selective neuromotor nerve blocks completed the physical exam in order to assess spasticity and retractions (soleus, gastocnemius, flexor digitalis). Functional antagonistic or transferable muscles were identified. A function contract was established with the patient. All patients were operated on by the same surgeon and were reviewed late after surgery by an independent clinician. Gain in joint movement and function were recorded as well as any complications.

Results: Thirty-five patients underwent surgery (42 feet). The analytic results were good: mean gain in joint movement = 37.5°.

The functional objectives (walking for 31 patients, verticalisation for ten, comfort for one) were achieved in all patients except five. There was one taluseversus, one anterior subluxation of the talus, one persistent stepping. For two patients underlying neurological disorders did not allow fulfilment of the contract. There were also three cases of claw toes with moderate functional impact.

Discussion: Preponderant retraction makes it difficult to assess antagonistic and intrinsic muscles, leading to the complications observed. A dynamic EMG recording might provide a solution. Functional outcome depends on correct assessment of the underlying neurological status.

Conclusion: The good results achieved in this series of patients validates the proposed decisional algorithm. The surgical strategy must be inscribed within a functional contract established with each individual patient.