United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

I was injured 010709 TBPI fractured & dislocated shoulder. The only test I've had done was xray. I have no use of my hand. I've been in therapy 3x week since wreck. Been to 2 doctors Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Physician & a Orthopedic Surgery one. They've both told me its just a waiting game told me to expect a year of recovery & when I ask if I'll get my hand back they say "we won't go there now" I would just like to know if this lack of test is normal & if not what should I be asking to be done. Also are there any Doctors in Arkansas that anyone would recommend for this injury

[Edited by: admin on Feb 16, 2009 1:02 AM]

I would suggest an EMG with a nueorlogist. I believe they like to wait a few weeks before administering this test for the best results. This test will tell you if there is continuity in your nerves. Do you have any other symptoms in your arm other than your hand? An EMG will show weakness in other muscles that you may not know about due to your injured shoulder and immobility. If you don't mind me asking, what happened? Good Luck to you, JJ

I would definitely not "wait and see" for a full year before doing any other tests or interventions. If you have nerve damage that requires surgery they like to do it within 6 months of the injury. Please see a doctor who is familiar with brachial plexus injuries (many are listed on this website under resources), ASAP.

Definitely do not wait to get checked by someone that specializes in BPI's. There are not too many people that specialize in TBPI...although from my experience even doctors that specialize in OPBI (ones that occur during birth) tend to help with adult BPIs.

Definitely get an EMG of some sort done to tell what muscles and nerves are affected.

You do not want to wait too long, becuase the sooner you can be treated (surgery to reconnect nerves,if needed etc) the better the chances of recovery.