United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

I was wondering if anyone has had an osteotomy for the forearm to help correct pronation-supination problems?
I found this link:

http://www.orthoweb.be/cases/wristost.htm

I would be interested in knowing how the results are. Looks kind of scary!
T.

My 6 1/2 year old son had an osteotomy performed in Houston a year ago. He has strong biceps, no triceps and minimal use of his hand. Before the surgery, his arm was positioned with his palm facing up and turning away from his body. If was very hard in this position to use his hand. So, the thought was if we did the osteotomy his hand would be in a more functional position. I am very pleased with with the way his arm looks now. It looks more normal and not so obvious that there is something wrong. He has also noticed that people don't ask him anymore why he holds his hand out like that. As far as increased function, none. He is not using the hand anymore after the surgery than before. I am very concerned about this procedure and know now that my son was a test for this procedure and am not sure I would recommend it to others.

I hope that helps. Please feel free to ask any questions.

There is a doctor at TCH - his name I believe is Dr. Davino and he is who is doing the forearm osteotomies there - he is an orthopedic surgeon. This was recommended last year for Maia as well but the dislocation had to be repaired. Maybe you can find out more info about osteotomies on the website there?
-francine

My 6 1/2 year old son had an osteotomy performed 12 months ago by Dr Davino in Houston. Before the surgery his armed was positioned with his palm up and turned away from his body. He had minimal use of his hand but in this position it made it even harder to use his right hand. An osteotomy was performed to correct the bowing in the ulna bone and position the arm in a neutral position so the hand would be in a more functional position.

One year after surgery, I am pleased with the way the arm looks. It is no longer so obvious that there is something wrong. His arm looks a lot more "normal" if that is possible. So, it terms of appearance we are pleased. My son also has noticed that people don't ask him any more why he hold his hand like that.

As far as increased function, we have not seen any change. The hand is still very weak and has shown no improvement.

After the surgery I found out our son was one of the first brachial plexus children to have this procedure done and was a "test".

I am not sure I would put him through it again if I had a choice.

I have heard it is very painful...Is this true?
T.

My son has no sensation below the elbow. After surgery he would tell me it was hurting and he was pointing to the points where the rods were. Apparently the rods were sticking out of the arm a little and causing some pain.

Thanks for the input....Anyone else out there have info?
T.