United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

I replied on gen board Traci.
Take care Jen NZ

I'm very sorry to hear about your son.
I'm a lurker on this board (I'm a mom to an OBPI) but I found this abstract in my research, maybe these Dr's would be better to contact?

Julie



Author
Bedi, Asheesh MD 1; Miller, Bruce MD 1; Jebson, Peter J. L MD 2

Institution
(1)Department of Orthopaedic Surgery University of Michigan Medical Center Ann Arbor, MI (2)Division of Hand & Upper Extremity Surgery Department of Orthopaedic Surgery University of Michigan Medical Center Ann Arbor, MI

Title
Combined Glenohumeral Arthrodesis and Above-Elbow Amputation for the Flail Limb Following a Complete Posttraumatic Brachial Plexus Injury.[Article]

Source
Techniques in Hand & Upper Extremity Surgery. 9(2):113-119, June 2005.

Abstract
The treatment of a severe traction injury resulting in complete, posttraumatic brachial plexus palsy remains a daunting challenge to the upper extremity surgeon. Operative intervention must address painful glenohumeral instability while optimizing functional rehabilitation. Glenohumeral arthrodesis has been shown to reliably alleviate pain from shoulder instability and place the extremity in a functional posistion for activities of daily living. An above the elbow amputation has also been advocated to remove the flail insensate extremity and create a stable stump for prosthetic training and rehabilitation. We describe the technique of a combined glenohumeral arthrodesis and above elbow amputation to address the flail insensate limb following a severe posttraumatic brachial plexus injury. In our clinical experience, the combination of procedures results in an improved pain level, enhances shoulder stability, encourages functional rehabilitation via prosthetic fitting, and is associated with high patient satisfaction.

(C) 2005 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Inc.