United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

My son Luke has robpi. Avulsion of c5, c6 and t1. Stretching of c7 and c8. He had primary nerve surgery at 3 months. We are now 9 months post surgery and he still has no bicep flexing function. His doc mentioned at his last appt that he may want to try another nerve surgery to see if he can redo the bicep nerve transfer again. I was under the impression that nerve grafting/transfers surgery was a one shot deal. Has anyone else had a second nerve surgery? If so, how did it effect the current function of the arm/hand? Any permanent loss of current function? I'm nervous that if he has a second surgery he may lose what control he has with the arm/hand (very strong shoulder and tricep, weak grip but it is getting stronger). Any advise/personal experiences would be greatly appreciated!

Hi Sarah,

I know there are many possibilities for nerve transfer which would be possible even after primary surgery, although I don't personally know anyone who has had any of them. The field has come a very long way in just the last couple of years. Your son's doctor might be considering transferring from a nerve other than one of the 5 in the brachial plexus, for instance. I would express your concern about your son not losing any current function and ask for more details about this proposed plan.

Kate

Can you loose usage after surgery, No clue. But I never hand surgeries in 62 years. The gain in limitation in what your left with in life is more about how much you can build up . Loosing strength never happen for me but with my limited reach I still ended up driving a semi and increase my grasp strength by squeezing a ball from birth erbs from when I was little. In crease my strength help me gain the strength to hold on to a semi steering wheel. There are many post that say what I say about building up limitation your left with The only way you lose strength is by not using it and I inspire to, try as may here post to I really believe that ever-one gains by trying in what ever they can fine a way to adapt to, in - spite of the limitation. You never will lose what you built by trying I think the best exercise comes by fining ways to assist your good arm in daily activity and the best therapy comes from fun things in play or trys. I think
Hope this helps,
Tom