United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

Hello everyone,

My name is Joe, i'm 27 years old and i have an obstetrical brachial plexus injury which has left me with erb's palsy in my left arm/shoulder/hand. I have read about two surgical procedures that can be performed to increase range of motion, one is called "mod Quad" and the other is Bicep lengthening. I would like to know if anyone here has had these surgeries and if so how was the outcome? There is a specialist from Texas, Dr. Nath who performs these surgeries and after reading the information on his website I am considering getting this done. Anyone who might have had this surgery, please feel free to post a reply or email me Arc76@snip.net

Hello Joe
My name is Nicole and I am 31 yrs old with left OBPI. I have not had any surgery or interventions myself, but I am in the process of getting information, and insurance details lined up. I am planning to have the same surgery (mod quad and bicep lengthening) in Feb 2005. I too will be going to Dr. Nath in Texas. From the message boards he seems to be the doctor most people are going with. You will be able to gain a lot of information from these message boards. Due to all the pages it will take some time, but look into those that talk about surgeries, bicep lengthening, etc...There are people who have had the surgery done, and I have asked them questions myself, and from my investigation they have all been pleased with the outcomes and only wished they could have done it earlier.

I had this done April 15 of this year.....I am one of those who only wish I knew about it sooner!!! Only 3 months post-op and I can do so much! My PT is amazed at how quickly my movement is coming. I am just thrilled!

Hello! I am 32 & had the mod quad last August. Dr Nath is the one that did my surgery. I had the humeral osteotomy in February. Dr Gugenheim is the one that done this surgery (recommended by Dr Nath). I have an Ilizarov Fixator one. This is sorta like a halo that you see on someones head if they had their neck to break. I have 9 rods in the bone & pray that it will be coming off in August. My plan is to have the bicep lengthening next year! If you have any questions, feel free to email me at dwilliams3881@charter.net.

Nicole,

I am hoping to have the bicep lengthening around the same time you do...maybe we will get to meet each other.

Deean-na I am trying to plan it for the week of Feb 14th. How come you did not have the mod quad and the bicep lengthening at the same time. Talking to Dr. Nath it seems like he will be doing them both at the same time, but I am not sure. I guess I was assuming that I would have them together. It would be great to meet up with you if it works out...Nicole

Hey!

I do not think he can do them at the same time. You may want to ask him. They have 2 different ways of splinting. Let me know.

Deanna

From my conversation from Dr. Nath it sounded like I will be in one type of splint for 3weeks for the shoulder and than the rest of the time the splint for the biceps lengthening. He told me that I would be in the splinting process for 3 months (he stated that this was the disadvantage was of having the surgery), but I am willing to go through it if it makes a difference in my range of motion. I am sure I will know more once I get down there and have my consult with him. He stated to me that most of my problem was more mechanical than anything. Did you have to have surgery on any nerves. According to Dr. Nath I do not. He is not having me do any EMG or MRI testing so that could be the difference too.