United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

I have a 9 month old that has BPI, it like many, resulted as a traumatic birthing experience. So far up to this day we have just done PT and OT and tried to keep good ROM. We have met with some neurosurgeons and at this point they say let time do the healing. We will meet with the neurosurgeon and Orthopedic Surgeon when baby is 1 year of age, then possible surgery at 1.5 years of age. However, we recently met with the PM&R and they have suggested Botox use in the Pec muscel to temporarily weaken the over powering muscles and allow the weaker ones a chance to gain. I am wondering if anyone has had this procedure done and what the results are???

Hi! We have had 3 rounds of Botox (in different areas) and we have gotten great results from all of them. Each child is different, and I have seen some that have not responded as well as Cameron. The weakening lasted about 5 months each time for us, and we did keep what we gained from each injection. Botox saved us from a tendon transfer last year. I will be happy to go into more detail if you would like. You can email me at anise@ubpn.org.

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My son's BP Team suggested it when my son was 11 mos. old. At the time I was still really unsure of it and we decided against it. My son had had the nerve surgery and while his triceps were super strong, his biceps were still really weak and so they wanted to botox the tricpes to get them to stop overpowering his biceps. We started ESTIM right away, but my son did end up needing the Muscle Transfer/Tendon Releases at 19 mos. old. I now wonder if the botox would have helped him... who knows, but I would definitely considered it more looking back!

My son (now 1 year) has just undergone this exactl procedure. Botx to the pec muscles with a corresponding cast to keep a "good stretch" going for 6 weeks. DJ has just gotten his cast off and we were supposed to be wearing a brace that was molded the same day as the cast was put on, however I am having trouble getting the brace to fit properly. As far as gain/loss at this point have to say he lost a little bit of flexiblity but that may be due to wearing the cast for 6 weeks. His elbow flexion is not what it was. Maybe someone can shed some light of this question. The surgeon wants DJ to wear this brace 20 hours a day. Even though I have relayed my concerns about the fit. It will be 2weeks before I can get an appt for a new fitting. At this point the boy can not crawl. I am worried that by wearing this brace for so long a day that his physical development will be drastically hindered.