Brandon,
It's great to hear you're getting the 'move' on this injury!
I just wanted to add some info on the MRN that I've recently learned about, for all else that are interested. I'm not sure why this imaging process hasn't taken off w/greater success in the field of Neurology.
I recently saw Dr. Aaron Filler in Los Angeles, who helped pioneer this imaging process, and had an MR Neurography taken and will get the results next week. My understanding is that it is taken by a specially adjusted MRI machine in which the imaging information is then re-calibrated so that the nerves are separated and distinguished from the other tissue and bone masses. This technology has been evolving for over ten years, and supposedly can prevent unneeded exploratory surgery and help guide surgeons with greater accuracy when operating, especially in the C8 & T1 areas that are very risky due to their proximity to the lung and chest cavity.
I hope the MRN is as promising as it seems and will hopefully start being used by more hospitals. I'll post again when I find out the results and can compare them against all the other diagnostic studies I've had done on my injury.
Good Luck Brandon!
Chris
PS this is a 'cut & paste" from a PubMed finding on Dr. Filler and the MRN...
Recent advances in the technology of MR imaging are beginning to transform the fundamental methodology of diagnostic evaluations in neuromuscular disorders. When properly implemented, MR neurography is capable of providing high-quality information about nerve compression, nerve inflammation, nerve trauma, systemic neuropathies, nerve tumors, and recovery of nerve from pathologic states. Muscle MR imaging can identify denervation on a precise anatomic basis, document the progression of various conditions causing myopathy and myositis; and even provide insight into abnormal patterns of muscle activation. There is an essential role for the neurologist as well as for the specialist radiologist that requires a high level of familiarity of the various new types of image findings in this steadily advancing field.
Totally Pumped
-
Christopher
- Posts: 845
- Joined: Wed Jun 18, 2003 10:09 pm
- Injury Description, Date, extent, surgical intervention etc: Date of Injury: 12/15/02
Level of Injury:
-dominant side C5, C6, & C7 avulsed. C8 & T1 stretched & crushed
BPI Related Surgeries:
-2 Intercostal nerves grafted to Biceps muscle,
-Free-Gracilis muscle transfer to Biceps Region innervated with 2 Intercostal nerves grafts.
-2 Sural nerves harvested from both Calves for nerve grafting.
-Partial Ulnar nerve grafted to Long Triceps.
-Uninjured C7 Hemi-Contralateral cross-over to Deltoid muscle.
-Wrist flexor tendon transfer to middle, ring, & pinky finger extensors.
Surgical medical facility:
Brachial Plexus Clinic at The Mayo Clinic, Rochester MN
(all surgeries successful)
"Do what you can, with what you have, where you are."
~Theodore Roosevelt - Location: Los Angeles, California USA
-
Christopher
- Posts: 845
- Joined: Wed Jun 18, 2003 10:09 pm
- Injury Description, Date, extent, surgical intervention etc: Date of Injury: 12/15/02
Level of Injury:
-dominant side C5, C6, & C7 avulsed. C8 & T1 stretched & crushed
BPI Related Surgeries:
-2 Intercostal nerves grafted to Biceps muscle,
-Free-Gracilis muscle transfer to Biceps Region innervated with 2 Intercostal nerves grafts.
-2 Sural nerves harvested from both Calves for nerve grafting.
-Partial Ulnar nerve grafted to Long Triceps.
-Uninjured C7 Hemi-Contralateral cross-over to Deltoid muscle.
-Wrist flexor tendon transfer to middle, ring, & pinky finger extensors.
Surgical medical facility:
Brachial Plexus Clinic at The Mayo Clinic, Rochester MN
(all surgeries successful)
"Do what you can, with what you have, where you are."
~Theodore Roosevelt - Location: Los Angeles, California USA
Re: Totally Pumped
I thought this link might be useful for those interested in learning more about the MR Neurography.
http://www.neurography.com/Index.htm
http://www.neurography.com/Index.htm
-
Karen McClune
- Posts: 746
- Joined: Wed Sep 10, 2003 4:58 pm
Re: Totally Pumped
Chris,
Thanks for this site. Very interesting.
Brandon, great news, my thoughts will be with you on the 14th.
Hugs,Karen
Thanks for this site. Very interesting.
Brandon, great news, my thoughts will be with you on the 14th.
Hugs,Karen
Re: Totally Pumped
CHRIS, WHEN YOU GET YOUR RESULTS YOU CAN COMPARE THEM WITH MINE. i GET MINE ON THE 8TH AND THEY WILL BE ALL DIGITAL SO WE CAN MAIL THE MRN PICTURES THEMSELVES AND SEE WHATS UP. SOUNDS PRETTY COOL TO ME.
BRABBITT
P.S. DO YOU LIVE IN SEATTLE
BRABBITT
P.S. DO YOU LIVE IN SEATTLE