United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

Hi. It's been a very long time since I have visited the boards, but just am needing to know about others. Zoe is now almost 9 yrs old and has almost full range. Her injured arm however does not seem to be growing. At least not like her other arm. It is quite abit shorter. Has anyone else experienced this? Any advice on what steps to take? It doesn't bother her other than her self confidence. No one teases her, thank goodness. But she is very aware of it. Thanks for any advice!

Kimberly
Mom to Zoe 8 LOBPI

Most of us OBPI's have a length discrepancy. It is due to the fact that it is not used as much and therefore the bone(s) is/are not stimulated as much to grow (that's the short/quick answer).

Mine is quite a bit shorter but it no longer bothers me. As a teen I got self-conscious about it, but as an adult I have gotten over most of that! I still have my moments!

There really isn't much that you can do about it though... There is a "cosmetic" type surgery that could be done later, but it's not worth the pain I think. Limb lengthening using the Ilizarov technique: http://www.limblengthening.com/aboutll.html

My son's is shorter as well. I always have to roll up his sleeve once or twice where on his right side, the sleeve hits the right spot on his wrist. He's only 3 and doesn't notice it and most others don't notice it either. I agree with the previous poster about the lengthening surgery not being worth it cause of the pain, but that is something my son would have to decide for himself. I know sometimes it can be encouraged when the BP arm is so much shorter than the other that it makes it really incovenient for kids to use it and they'll stop trying.

there is also a visible difference in the length of my arms, i never was self conscious about it though... i show people, and they are interested in it... its just something that happens.. and i have accepted it...

My son is 13 and his is quite a bit shorter, and his hand is significantly smaller. He doesn't seem self conscious about it...and shows people the difference in his hands and they are like...WOW!

I hope it doesn't bother him later in life, he takes it all in stride right now.