United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

Well, Mitchell is scheduled for the (humeral) derotational osteotomy in November. One year after Mitchell has that surgery, they will go back in and remove the metal plate.

I feel really good about this. I'm not feeling hesitant in the least. It just seems like the most logical next step for Mitchell's particular situation. Dr. Drake is the main "osteotomy guy" and we feel that Mitchell is in very capable hands. We were able to hear of many success stories this morning, and it made us feel excited for Mitchell.

Also, his scoliosis has IMPROVED by 2 degrees! We were excited about that. Mitchell's over all condition is good...no winging, contractures are not getting worse, he is not "tight". The only issue he currently has is his poor external rotation. Soon to be fixed though!

I know some of you here are very leary of this surgery, but please keep in mind that we have an enormous level of trust and respect for Dr. Drake. This was not a hastily made decision. We talked about the risks and the benefits. We agreed that Mitchell will benefit from this surgery a great deal. Also, each child's situation (injury) is different and what may be deemed as "scary" for one family, might be the solution for the next family.

Missy I really would like to get info on this surgery because an osteotomy of the forearm was suggested for our son....I'm still feeling leary and afraid. Do you have any info on the surgery that would be helpful for us in making our decision?
Thanks,
Teresa
P.S. you can e-mail me at olafferty@triconet.org

Missy - sounds like you had a very productive meeting and you are grounded in the decisions you had to make - that's really good! Keep on updating us ok??
(are you ready to write anything up about Shriner's and your experiences yet??

-francine

Missy - sounds like you had a very productive meeting and you are grounded in the decisions you had to make - that's really good! Keep on updating us ok??
(are you ready to write anything up about Shriner's and your experiences yet??

-francine

Hi Tessie,

I don't know anything about the forearm osteotomy since it doesn't apply to Mitchell. He's having the humeral osteotomy.

The reason he's having the humeral one done is because he cannot externally rotate.

Ok, stretch your arms straight out in front of you with your thumbs up towards the ceiling. Mitchell has a ROBPI, so his right hand basically stays palm side down. The surgery will rotate him out so that both thumbs will point up towards the ceiling. He will then be able to reach his face with his palm, instead of the back of his hand, etc. Sorry for the lack of medically terminology...this was the easiest way for me to explain it.

I don't know if this surgery would apply to your son. Does it sound like it would? If you have more specific questions or want more specific info, let me know. I'm not an expert on this, but I'll try to help you as best as I can!

Missy

Hi Louise,

Dr. Drake is with the Shriners Children's Hospital in Minneapolis, MN. He also did Mitchell's first surgery which involved muscle transfers and a pectoral release.

He's very well versed with BPIs and is, in fact, conducting a study about BPIs. He also just concluded a case study about osteotomies and presented it to...gosh I don't remember who it was presented to, I was thinking of my next question for him!

Anyhow, we feel incredibly confident about this. If you want more information about Dr. Drake and how to get your child to see him just let me know.

Missy

Hey Francine...guess what?? I'm actually working on it!! I don't have any pictures though (YET). I plan on taking some in September when we go for his pre-op and will do more in November while we are there for his surgery. Surgery date is Nov 5th, by the way.

Missy

Missy,
Our son is scheduled to have tendon transfer surgery in April at Shriners with DR. VanHeist. I'm going to email you and ask a few more things. Your childs arm sounds exactly like our son's. We are very nervous and wondering about alot.

Missy,
My son's hand is palm down at about a 30 degree angle...He can't flatten it out to type or turn it to the side to hold a cup....I'm getting more confused...We're getting a second opinion....Please keep us updated!
Thanks!
T.