United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

Hi, I'm new here, so I'd like to introduce myself as well as my situation. My name is Peter. In july 2005, i was riding my motorcycle and someone ran a stopsign. I went through his window and cut my neck. I haven't been able to move my bicep and shoulder. I am able to move my hand with great pain in my thumb to middle fingers.

My tricep seems fine since I can straighten out my arm but can not bend. After the EMG I was told that I have Brachial Plexus and the position of my arm is typical Erb's Palsy.

At first I was told that my nerves "may" grow back in time, but it's not a definate. 6 months have done by and I don't see a real big difference. My last visit to the doctor, he suggested of a nerve transplant. Just like everyone here, I just want functionality of my arm back or at least close to it.

I've read some posts and wanted to ask a question. For those of you that had surgery yourselves or family members,

What type of surgery(what did it entail)?

And what progress have you seen and how long after surgery have you seen progress?

For those that have not had surgery and the nerves were cut, how long after injury have you gotten better if that was the case?

I want to thank everyone in advance for your answers and also for taking the time to read my post.

My 21 year old son had a motorcycle accident in September 2005. He does not have use of his left arm. His hand does work. He had surgery at the University of Pa by Dr. Zager on December 20, 2005. He had

1. left-sided overlying nerve transfer from the ulnar to the brachialis branch of the musculocutaneous nerve.

2. left-sided medial pectoral to musculocutaneous nerve transfer.

3. left-sided sural nerve graft from the left-sided C5 spinal root to the suprascapular nerve.

He has been laid up since the operation which lasted approximately 8 hours. He has been on pain medication and will go for a follow-up appointment on January 18, 2005. There will be long term therapy and we were told not to expect to see any success of the operation for up to a year. I hope this helps, and if anyone else has had a similar procedure, I would glad to hear of the progress you have or had. We say lots of prayers and try to keep his spirits up. Hope this helps you.

Diane (Stephen's Mom)

Peter,
I was also involved in a motorcycle accident, March 13, 2005. Most of us here were told the same initial prognosis, wait and see if the nerve recovers on its own. That is usually as far as it goes unless you have a brachial plexus specialist.
My EMG indicated that I had multiple avulsions and no potential for recovery. However, I had positive tinel's sign on all three trunks of the plexus, and MRN showed no avulsions. My specialist, Dr. Aaron Filler, discussed the surgical possibilities and recommended surgery within 6 months.
I had my surgery Sept. 29th at St. John's Hospital in Santa Monica. Dr. Filler ended up releasing the lower trunks from dense scar tissue. I had a 3cm graft on the upper trunk.
At this point, my traps,latissimus, and rhomboids are getting good strength. My deltoids, biceps and triceps are beginning to innervate. Flexion in my hand is improving. I do not have function of extensors yet.
You are at a critical time. If I read your post correct, you stated you are at 6 mos. post accident. You have to get to a BPI specialist. Time is ticking for your options and recovery potential.

Mike

Thanks Mike

I had Surgery in November, I had no Grafts although all signs pointed to yes. But just removinging all the scar tissue has allowed my arm to heal much faster. All of my tests showed that I was avulsed all over, however only one nerve was avulsed and it couldn't be saved (C7). Anyhow hang in there.
Brandon

Peter

Whereabouts do you live? I am concerned that you might not have seen a doctor who is experienced in treating these very complicated injuries.

Injuries to the Brachial Plexus in an adult caused by a trauma can be notoriously difficult to diagnose correctly, let alone treat surgically and it is imperative that you see someone who is very experienced as soon as you can.

If you are in the U.K. I can possibly help, if you are in the U.S, then there is a very good list of surgeons and doctors on this website. Here is the link: http://ubpn.org/medicalresources/

Please forgive me if you have already found an experienced surgeon, but when you said that you were told your 'nerves 'may' grow back again,' and it has been six months, the alarm bells started ringing....

Lizzyb

I'm in NYC. The hospital I'm going to now is sending me to get an MRI(feb 3) and then recommending a surgeon from Mt Sinai.

I called Mayo and I faxed my EMG reports to them and am awaiting a call for an appointment. Unfortunately I was told nothing until March.

My bpi injury is 18 years old and I am recovering from
muscle transplant surgery done at the Mayo by "the team". We are hoping to recover elbow flexion.
The window of helping the arm raise vertically has passsed, tho. Your part of looking into this early is
a good thing.

Hey Peter I live in westchester and went to mt.sianai and their best Dr.??Dr. Housman could do nothing for me. I went and had surgery at the mayo clinic in july and have had great results.If you would like to call me about any info I would gladly try to help you out as others did for me. 914 557 8536

My son had three nerve transfers done at the Mayo clinic in MN. The docs were wonderful and my son can actually use his bicep now. I would highly recommend them.