United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

Can anyone tell me when they started seeing bicep function after primary? Do any of you know what the criteria is for secondary? I am just having a little anxiety. We had primary surgery Jan. 3rd, and Payton is doing well, but we have seen no bicep or wrist function yet. Thanks for you help.
Sarahmae

It's been two years since our primary. We are going for the MQ in May. So I can't remember exactly when he started getting it back. Just remember the nerve only grows one inch per month, so it's going to take a little while.

Sarahmae,
Bradleys biceps starting coming in at about 5 months post primary, he was 6 months old for primary. He had the Mod Quad done @ 12 months. He had no external rotation, was contracted at the elbow, and his shoulder was subluxated. The surgery is what I would consider a success. He needed a pecs release also. He can now lift his arm 180 degrees above his head although his elbow is a little bent. I am so proud of him and how far he's come. I hate the waiting game but am learning to accept it.

Katie had primary at 5.5 months, mod at 11.5 months and did not get a hint of biceps until just before her caps at 19.5 months...

Hannah had primary at 6.5 months, the MQ at 11.5 months. Hannah did not have any biceps before primary. We were told that her biceps were working at the time of the MQ. We didn't notice them though. She has just started using her bicep at 15 months. It is a long waiting game but definetly worth it.

Lisa

I have a Peyton also. She is still working on Bicep strength. Don't forget it depends how severe injury was too. I'm positive you are doing everything possible. It's hard, but stay positive.

5 months post primary we weren't sure if we had biceps and we didn't want the door to close on a 2nd primary...so we did a biceps EMG which showed just enough to not do another graft (thank God)... biceps are slow with us

Who does EMGs? PEDs? Specialists? Neurologists? I am beginnig to think our specialist sucks!! I have no idea what to expect, or what is coming next, or even if he knows anything!
Sarahmae

In our case the surgeon wasn't "confident" that the grafts would work for c-6 and that he would likely need a second primary. We will find out in May.

Sarahmae - are you local to your specialist? Can you set up an appointment and talk about all of this? Usually the specialists have their own staff physiatrists who does the EMG's that way the results can get right to the specialist. But you really need to discuss your questions with your specialist or get another opinion from another specialist. I'm sorry you are in this position.