Shoulder Fusion

[itsme]

Hi,

First I'd like to say how pleased I was to come across this sight.

I was involved in a motorcycle accident 18 years ago (I was 19 at the time) and apparently zigged when I should have zagged. The result was diagnosed a "severe bpi". Well, as the story goes, after a 21 hour micro surgery session at NY's Belvue Hospital and several tendon transfers later on that next two years at Lenox Hill, I was told shortly thereafter that a shoulder fusion was required to keep gravity from further damaging what little support was left in my upper torso. Well, I went ahead and had the surgery and wore a half body cast for 6 months following (I believe it was called a "spika" cast. As far as I can tell, all these years later, the operation was a success. My left shoulder no longer hangs lower than the right and I soon after stopped wearing a sling. I was just wondering if anyone else had this particular surgery. No other reason than I suppose I'd like to share thoughts with anyone who shared this particular "torture" (the body cast, not the surgery). Thanks for taking the time to read this and I'd love to hear from anyone wishing to take the time to write. I've been blessed with many family and friends but so few understand what the last 18 years have been like. I've no complaints about them, only thoughts. Thanks again.

[Kathleen]

Welcome to the Board

I am birth injured but I am sure that you information will help others on this board who are trauma injured.

I am amazed that they were doing this type of surgery at Lenox Hill so long ago... I know Lenox Hill has a great reputation it sounds like you had very good doctors.

Did you have all of your surgery and follow up there?

I live in New York that is why I am asking.
Welcome again
Kath

[George]

Hello, and welcome to the board. Sorry to hear of your injury, but it sounds as if you've a great attitude, and that in itself helps with this mess. I was injured a little over two years ago, so it looks like you've got me by 16 years )

Early on, the shoulder fusion surgery was mentioned on numerous occasions, but I never had it because after about five or six months my muscles up there (or at least some of them) started working again. I'm not so sure that as I get older (40 now) a fusion might help with the arthritis I'm sure to have bestowed upon me. I have learned to never say never I'm glad your surgeries were successful. It is always great to hear good news on the board.

You mentioned tendon transfers. Any transfers for finger or wrist extention? If so....how did you fare?

George

[karlos]

Good question George,
i too would be intrested to know how the tendon transfers went or if anybody else has had this surgery done,

many thanks karl.

[Paulo]

hehehe...
I think i am the only who understand you ! yes,, really was a torture.. walking around with that, sometimes I punch someone…eheh
It was to a success. I am very happy to know that can last so many time. Mine (shoulder fusion) has almost only 2 years. I had the bpi 3 years ago, I am 34.
Ok “itsme” keep on!!
Paulo

[admin]

> You mentioned tendon transfers. Any transfers for
> finger or wrist extention? If so....how did you
> fare?
>
> George

Yes, I had both tendon transfers done. Both on my fingers and wrist. It was years ago so I'm not very sure of the details (those early years tend to haze from time to time ... I suppose it was the pain killers what I do remember is that my bicept was replaced with my tricept because of damage done by the accident. I can tell you, I'm VERY happy with the results. I can't imagine how I would have gotten by all these years with the assistance the tendon transfer operations allowed me.

Should anyone have any addition questions, feel free to email me directly, I don't often habe time to check out messaage boards ... though I will try to make time for this one.

Best of luck to everyone.

[George]

Very good Andy.....thanks. Your info is very helpful. Keep on keeping on !!!!!

George

[karlos]

Hi Andy,
i'm due to have this op done at xmas i know it was a long time ago but can you remember how long it was after you got your plaster/pot removed before you regained full function?

cheers Karl.

[admin]

Karl,

I'm not sure if your referring to the numerous tendon transfers I had or the shoulder fusion surgery. I'll attempt to answer both. First the worst, the shoulder fusion. I wore half a body cast (from my waist to my neck with only my right arm (the "good one") free to move) for six long months. My left arm (the damaged one) was positioned so that it was bent at a right angle positioned chest level. In the beginning it was awkward to say the least. Not to mention, the plaster weighed about 30 pounds and took almost three weeks to completely dry. I hardly slept those first few weeks.

The tendon transfers were different. I wore a cast each time as if the arm was mearly broken, about six or so weeks. In fact, people not in the know just assumed that was the case. With a bit of therapy I was able to put my tendon transfers to good use almost immediately. Of course in the beginning it was a bit painful but I'm afraid that's just impossible to avoid.

I hope I've answered your questions, if you or anyone else has anything additionally to ask, feel free. Best of luck with your operation.

Andy

[admin]

hello, I was 17 yrs old, and I was playing football when I had numerous right shoulder dislocations. Well, finally my arm would not stay in the socket, so I was supposed to have a routine surgery "bristow procedure." That would have eliminated the dislocations. Well, as it turned out the screw that the doctor used was infected. My doctor than told my that the drainage out of my incision was normal! I believed him, for three months my wound continued to leak the nastiest look stuff. Than the hole closed up and the incision site began to swell causing immense pain. I was rushed to the hospital and they did a debriement surgery, only to find that my shoulder had been eaten by this bacteria. I than was than sent to the Charles Rockwood clinic in San Antonio where they performed my fusion. It was a complete success, whereas I had no motion whatsoever know I am able to feed myself and do more with my right arm than I thought I would ever be able to do. So I guess in the long run I am some what of a success story. By the way I am suing my first doctor for neglecting my infection. He kept telling my that drainage was a sign of healing, hell I guess that I was only 17 and I believed him. He never cultered the drainage and told my that I was a hypochondriac, and that he no longer wanted to see me as a patient. So please people know who your doctor really is. thanks for letting me vent.