United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

I suffered a nerve injury about 7 months ago. The doctor is not sure of the exact cause, they just know it occurred during surgery for another problem. I still have very little ability to lift my arm. I can lift it to about 65 degrees with nothing in my hand. If I add anything, I can't lift it that much. The only test the doctor has done is an EMG (last one in Dec.) What other tests should be done? I was originally told that this was a mild injury--after all this time, it doesn't seem so mild. They also discovered in aqua PT that I am unable to rotate and stabilize the scapula and lower the humeral head when moving the arm in the water (the only place that I can move it beyond 65 degrees). I would like more information on these types of injuries. I want to know what to expect. It was a work injury and I have not been allowed to see a BPI specialist yet. We have battled in hearing and are still trying to get this allowed. Until then I have a doctor that has never seen this before trying to coordinate my care. What things should we be doing? Any guidance anyone could give would be helpful.

If you are looking for insight into this I suggest that you start by visiting Steven Fromm's webpage. It is the best resource I have found with regard to scapular winging.
http://freespace.virgin.net/steven.fromm/
Also, you would do well to read through the previous posts on the forum on the subject.
I am sorry you are faced with this. What does your physician mean by a "mild injury"? The severity of the injury is dependant upon the extent of nerve damage and whether it will be able to recover.
In my experience, when doctors tell you it is mild and will heal on it's own in 6 months, this is another way of saying that they don't have a clue.
I was told the same and over 4 years later I still have winging and significant shoulder and neck issues
which cause me chronic pain...it has been far from a simple injury. Please do your homework and do not allow a doctor who "has never seen this injury" to minimize your injury and potential disability.
You will require specialized physical therapy in this area. A therapist who has never worked with a patient who has winged scapula can definitely do you more harm than good. The aqua therapy should help to prevent other issues such as frozen shoulder, but until the nerve is able to regenerate (which can take a very long time), no amount of PT will have you raising that arm over your head.
You didn't say whether or not PAIN is an issue, but it too may become one that will require specialized attention.
I am a little confused about the cause of your injury.
I read in one sentence that it is the result of another surgery and in another sentence that it is work related...sorry, but I am confused.
I also do not understand why you would not be "allowed" to see a BPI specialist.
Regardless, my suggestion would be that you research this injury, read the forum posts, get the opinion of a BPI specialist and know that this is NOT a simple problem with a "quick fix" solution.
I am sorry this may not be what you wish to hear, but recovery will definitely take time, patience, persistence and individualized therapy.
I wish the best of success in getting the help you need.
Nan

Nan
Sorry to confuse you, didn't want the post to be too long. My original injury was a rotator cuff tear, labral tear, etc. caused by a fall at work. When the arthroscopic surgery was done to repair the tears, something happened. They still don't know exactly why, but after surgery I had damage to the suprascapular and axillary nerves. They are not sure if it was the interscalene block, traction or something else. All they know is that this wasn't supposed to happen. They know according to an EMG that I didn't have this problem before surgery, just afterwards. As for not being allowed to see a specialist--this injury is classified as a worker's compensation injury and after 2 separate requests they have still denied a referral to a specialist. We are getting ready to go for a hearing on this matter soon. Since it is a work injury, private insurance will not pay. It has been just over 7 months and I haven't gained any movement. I thank you for the website. It is nice to not fell alone.

I wish I had more to offer you.
I too was injured as a result of a surgery...not a shoulder surgery, but surgery nonetheless and I understand how devastating this has been for you when you went into the surgery expecting repair, not further damage...I am so sorry this has happened.
I hope someone with experience in workers comp will come by and help you with this. I have no experience with wc since my injury did not occur on the job, but I am certain there are many visitors to the forum who have battled with this.
Obviously your initial injury happened on the job but the secondary injury (the one which may prevent you from returning to work for quite sometime)was iatrogenic and for this reason, I don't understand the logic in your insurance not covering it (would it not be a separate claim altogether?). Regardless, if it were myself, I would seek the services of a good attorney...it doesn't seem just what is happening to you!
Wish I could be more help. The boards have been quiet lately but hopefully someone who has been in a similar situation will show up soon to offer some much needed advice.
Best of luck to you and please keep in touch.
Nan

Mullert,
Here's what I see so far. The rotator cuff injury was a workmans comp case. The second injury was at the hospital. A seperate issue, me thinks. Anyway, talk with a laywer who handles this kind of stuff. And go see a specialist on your own for your own piece of mind....Karl...