United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

Hi All, It's been a while since I've posted, but I need some help. We just got back from an eval. at TCH on Monday and Emily is scheduled for her 3rd surgery - Bicep lengthening and an Infraspinatus Release. I am looking for outcomes on anyone who has had these procedures done to themselves or their children. She is scheduled for surgery on March 4th of this year; so I am quickly lookinig for what to expect after this surgery from other parents.

Julie Wolfgram

Hi Jallie
Natalie had the bicep lengthening in October '01 and we have seen very good results. For almost four years she has gone around in that "guarded" position so we're still getting used to seeing her with a straight arm. Now when she holds it bent it's out of habit. The surgery itself was pretty easy compared to the others she's had, but the splinting was a different story. I know that most people on this board have had excellent experiences at TIRR, but we did not. The splinting took almost four hours then had to be completely re-done once we got home. The idea is to hold the elbow straight, but four hours out of Houston, Natalie was showing us how strong she was by bending her arm. She ended up in a cast for about four weeks then a light weight molded splint for the remaining two. My advice would be to really watch the splinting process and make sure it's giving Emily the support and correction she needs to make this procedure a success.
As for the infraspinatus release, Natalie is scheduled for that on 2/11. They'll be combining it with the pronator teres transfer. I'll be glad to share whatever we learn after we get back. In the mean time, I'll be anxious to read the responses you get.

Thank you for your response. As strong and strongminded Emily is, I can already see a potential problem with her bending at the elbow. Your heads-up on that will help me address this during splinting time. Emily is turned out at the elbow, so this will hopefully bring her back inward to a more natural position. Did Natalie have elbow strength when the splint came off, or is it a starting over and strenghening process? I would love to hear about the Infraspinatus Release after she goes through it. I will keep her in my thoughts and prayers for her surgery time. Best Wishes and Thank You.

Julie Wolfgram

Kelsey had her Bicep lengthening done in July. She was casted in the OR, and wore it for 8 weeks. She then wore an extension splint for 10 weeks. The surgery lasted an hour and a half, and recovery was a cinch. Only one dose of pain meds. We are working on strength building now. She also had the Brachialis tendon lengthened at the same time.