ARM-CHEST ADHESIONS

Brachio-Thoracic Adhesions, Axillary Webs.

¹ The Surgical Department of the Johns Hopkins University and Hospital.

Arm-chest adhesions are not uncommon.

In the majority of instances they are the result of third degree burns.

The object of the treatment is primarily the restoration of the function of the arm, with the relief of the deformity, and the prevention of recurrence. The successful reconstruction, or readjusting, of the axillary space (armpit) is the key to the relief of the condition. There is no single operative procedure which is applicable to the treatment of all types of axillary webs.

It is seldom that the deformity, if in any way extensive, can be relieved by one operation,—in fact, in nearly all cases several operations are necessary to completely restore function, and in each one of the secondary operations new problems are presented which may require different methods of attack.

The only test of the efficiency of any of the operations used for the relief of arm-chest adhesions is time, and the ultimate result should not be recorded until at least one year has elapsed after the final operation.

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