Choosing a Doctor

[helpbpi]

Hello, My 25 year old girlfriend recently suffered a brachial plexus injury secondary to trauma and I want the absolute best care possible for her.

Who is the recoginized leader in the United States of surgical repair of the brachial plexus (specifically the suprascapular nerve innervating the supraspinatus and infraspinatus)?

I see most of you all talk of the Mayo Clinic. Have you all been to Dr. Spinner there?

My girlfriend has been to Dr. Nath in Houston TX and he has proposed microneurolysis of the suprascapular nerve to help return her shoulder movement. Any experience with Dr. Nath?

I have also found a great deal of literature published by Dr. Terzis in Norfolk, Virginia. Any experience with Dr. Terzis?

Any information would be greatly appreciated.

[ptrefam]

Sorry to hear of your girlfriends injury. How long ago was her injury, if you don't mind my asking? Yes, many from this site have been to the Mayo Clinic in MN. My son included. They are wonderful there. The team consists of 3 drs. Dr Spinner, Dr Shin and Dr Bishop. I think they are the best when it comes to TBPI in adults. One of the nice things is you see all three and they each give their opinions and then discuss it right there. It's like getting your second and third opinion right away. They have answered all our questions and take all the time we need. Very thurough. Can't say enough about them. But I am sure some of the others are also very good. I know many of the OBPI's see Dr Nath. But caring for OBPI and TBPI I understand is quite different.
Sue

[helpbpi]

Thanks, She suffered her injury about 7 months ago so from what I understand surgery needs to be done no later than 9-12 months out.

[claudia]

You might also want to look up Alan Belzberg at Johns Hopkins.

We have a medical resource page on the website. I recommend that you look into the docs there. They have answered questionaires, so that will answer some of you questions (how many surgeries, years, kids or adults...)

good luck,
claudia

[Mica]

We took our daughter to Dr. Belzberg at Johns Hopkins for a while, and can tell you from experience that he is an excellent physician. (Our reason for choosing another doctor had absolutely nothing to do with doubting him as a doctor!)

I have also been reading about a doctor in New Jersey with the last name of Elkwood (I believe it was Elkwood - Elk-something, in any case). He specializes in adult TBPIs, and has had some recent publicity from very successful microsurgeries.

Good luck finding help for your friend. I am so sorry she has to go though this!

There is a message board for TBPIs on this site, and she might find some great information, and also great support there.