Possible surgery- transfer tricep nerve to deltoid?

[bensmom]

When we had our first consult at Mayo back in January, the team did not think my husband would need surgery, but they asked us to come back in March (we'll be there next week) to check in on his progress and said if they decided to do any surgical intervention, it would likely be taking a nerve from his tricep to his deltoid (since that's the only muscle that we weren't seeing action in at the time). I really think they won't end up doing surgery, my husband feels like things are moving in there even if he can't lift his arm yet, but just to be safe, I want to get is much info and be prepared. Does anyone know the name of that surgery?? I foolishly didn't write it down and all I can remember is that they told us it was developed by a Dr. in China and named after him....it was a very long name. Even better yet, has anyone here actually had this surgery who can tell us a bit about what to expect, just in case?? TIA

[trimommy]

I had an Oberlin nerve transfer and nerve graft in November at the Mayo clinic. One thing i've learned is that all surgeries are different. They really weren't 100% on what they would do until they got in there. I had an avulsion of C6 and they also thought C5. But, once they got in there they found C5..it was just running a different way. It seems people's anatomy can vary. They took my sural nerve (back of calf) and used it to re-route c6 to c5. They wanted to use my tricep for my deltoid but it wasnt as strong as they had hoped so they went somewhere else. The goal of the surgery is to get me first elbox flexion and then hopefully shoulder stability. Although i am hoping for more than just stability, i am being realistic and moving forward. The recovery from surgery was not as bad as i thought. I have 2 year old twins and a 5 year old, so i was a little worried about them jumping on me, etc. At about 8 weeks i detected a fliker in bicep (very early...they told me not to expect anything for 4-6 months) I was at mayo for my follow up 2 weeks ago and the emg showed some motor activity in bicep! But it is ever so slight and requires soooo much work! you have to be dedicated and follow through. it wont come on its own. The amazing team of surgeons at the mayo clinic did their part, now i must do mine. your husband is in good hands! i trust them implicitly.

good luck!
Robin

[Mary Beth]

Amanda,

How did the appointment go? What is the next step?

wishing you both well,

Mary Beth

[bensmom]

Thank you Mary Beth. They did decide to move forward with surgery for his deltoid (which we knew was a possibility) and also his bicep (which we weren't expecting) Thankfully, once they got in there, the "brachials" were in better shape than the EMG indicated so they were able to leave those alone to finish healing. At any rate, they "rerouted" a tricep nerve into his deltoid and felt that the surgery went very well. He is in surpisingly little pain and was actually able to fly home the next morning. So, 3 weeks in an immobilizer and 6 to 12 months before we can expect to see movement, but I feel hopeful that we are moving in the right direction.

[Mary Beth]

Well, I'm sending best wishes to you both and a quick recovery with little to no pain I will keep you both in my thoughts..

I'm glad things went well.

Best wishes,
Mary Beth