BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate long-term radio-clinical outcome in scapulothoracic fusion using the Letournel technique (where the fourth rib is passed through the wing of the scapula and cerclage wires are tightened to the two ribs below) for @entity1 suffering from @entity3986 ( @entity3986 ), a degenerative pathology affecting scapula-stabilizing muscles, leading to scapular winging, shoulder @entity158 and restricted shoulder abduction and flexion, despite a functional deltoid muscle. METHODS: This retrospective study, with an average follow-up of 14 years (168 months;    = 73 months), included four @entity1 who underwent a bilateral procedure, one side after the other, with shoulder abduction and flexion gain as primary endpoints. RESULTS: Mean improvement in range of motion was 36   (  =32  ) in abduction and 40   (  =44  ) in flexion. Postoperatively, active abduction averaged 99   (  =28  ) and active flexion 110   (  =45  ). In one case, a 58 year-old @entity1 , gain in motion was 50   for abduction and 60   for anterior elevation. In one @entity1 , range of motion showed bilateral decrease, due to the natural course of the @entity3986 . No intraoperative complications were reported. DISCUSSION: The Letournel technique seems to be an effective long-term solution in @entity3986 , without age limit. Improvements appear to be steady over time, the only long-term limitations being the natural course of the disease itself. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV - Retrospective case series.

Long-term results of Letournel scapulothoracic fusion in XXXX : a retrospective study of eight cases.

@entity1 :: ('9606', 'Species') :: ['patients', 'patient'] @entity3986 :: ('MESH:D009136', 'Disease') :: ['facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy', 'FSHMD'] @entity158 :: ('MESH:D010146', 'Disease') :: ['pain']
@entity3986 :: (MESH:D009136,Disease) :: ['facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy']
