United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

Whilst I am a regular reader of this forum, I have only posted a general introduction back in February. I am a 34 year old male and live in Perth, Western Australia and at that stage, was trying to find a surgeon/specialist in Australia that could help. Since then, I have found a surgeon in Melbourne (on the other side of Aust), who has some experience, mostly gained in the UK and I am now due to have surgery on 9th June. Whilst not referred to as the quad procedure, it is basically the same with anterior releases and lat/teres transfer.

Brian, I have followed the lead up to your operation and I am glad it went OK. You mentioned two things which I would appreciate more info about.
Trimming Scapula - my surgeon has suggested that there may be a need to trim coracoid - is this what was trimmed on you?
Transfer may not work - I assume you are in a splint and will be for some time - therefore what indications are there that it didn't work? Also if you have any general details on the operation it would be appreciated. I would also appreciate any details from others about surgeries that didn't help particular problems and potential pitfalls.

I, like all of you who have been through this no doubt, am quite nervous about operation (only made final arrangements yesterday).

Regards

Glen

I am always trying to learn whatever I can about various surgeries out there. You mentioned anterior releases do you happen to have anymore information on it. Is it a release of the pec muscle? Is it a release of the anterior capsule or something else?

I sure hope the surgery goes well. Thanks for sharing with us. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers. Keep us posted.

Glen
I am so happy to hear you found some one to help you.
I have never had surgery but want to wish you well. I hope others who have had surgery as adults will help with the medical information.
Kath

Hi Glen.
First of all, I will know more definately in a few weeks how succesful the surgery was exactly. Right now it is only speculation that the muscle release didn't work. The bone that he shaved down is called the scapula bone. I don't know what the coracoid is, but I will explain mine. There are two bones that run from your collar bone to the end of your shoulder. They connect at the end. I believe that is called the scapula. What happnened in my case is that over the years that bone over grew its boundries. So, when I tried to lift my arm from the side position, it would stop at 90 degrees. After he shaved it, while I was asleep, he moved it and got 180 degrees. That particular bone was forcing my arm to stay down. As far as the release not working, he tried to rotate my forearm and there was resistance which tells him that didn't go as well as planned. Now, when I get the splint off, it is very possible that 1 of 2 things will happen. It could get better with pt, or I could need a secondary surgery. We don't know for sure yet. Hopefully this will help. Also, I have pics of my splint. If you or anyone else would like to see them give me your e-mail addresses. I gotta jet for now. Hopefully this will help. Let me know if there is anything else I can Help with.

Brian

The anterior releases I referred to are subscapularis and pectoral tendons. This will be done along with transfer of lat/teres.

Brian, from my many hours on the internet, the coracoid is part of the scapula (hook shaped bone at the end and probably the part of scapula that you had trimmed).

I would be very keen to see pictures of your splint - I will send you my work email address that is able to receive large attachments.

Regarding splint and time in splint, can anyone please provide current practice in US?? I have seen picture on another website with a soft cast with what looks like a pillow to hold arm away from side. My Dr wants me in a fibreglass splint with my arm out to the side and externally rotated up (if that makes sense) for 6 weeks. From what I have read, this whilst conservative for healing process, seems a bit extreme.

Glen

I just had my splint taken off on Monday. My arm was at a 90 degree angle out to the side (like a 7). I wore it for 4 weeks 24hours a day....now I wear it only at night when sleeping. I finally have my PT script so today I will be seeing when they can get me in. 2 days of regular PT and 2 days of water.

Glenn.
I just sent the pics. As you can see my arm is straight out. It sounds as if our surgeries are similar. The doctor wanted my arm "suppinated", rotated upwards. However, it caused way too much pain so he said not to do it. As I said in the e-mail. I get this splint of on Monday. Than I get one that is at 60 degrees for a week. Than 120 degrees for a week. I will send pics of all. Hope this helps.

Brian

HI GLENN

Hope your surgery went well and I hope you will keep us posted on your recovery. Thank you for sharing with us.

Sharon