United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

Hello Everyone, It has been awhile since I have posted. Hannah is doing good. It's been a wonderful summer. As most of you may know we went to Shriner's in July. We seen Dr. Drake (nice man). It was our 3rd opionion on the matter of Hannah's BPI. I just got his report and recommendations last week. I have been reading them over & over. I don't like the idea of having to make desicions that will effect the rest of her life. The 3 opionions are like this.

1. From the pediatric neurologist who has seen her since she was 6 months old. She say keep waiting things out and Hannah is an in between case. Not bad enough (whatever that means) to say surgery is necessary. Yet doesn't have full function. She was the one who recommended the e-stim and the kenesio taping.

2. From the Surgeon at the University of WI. Say everything looks great follow -up in 8 months. He was the one said e-stim at a child of Hannah's age is harsh, and told us taping wasn't for her eiether.

3. From Dr. Drake of Shriner's. I believe he is considered a hand dr. He says surgery can be done at 4 yrs old. The surgery is stated like this. left shoulder L'Episcopo transfer with possible siver release would be necessary to improve her function. I have not even heard of this surgery. Have any of you??

Your opionions are needed.

Thank you Nicki

Hi Nicki, I would send a tape to TCH and get a 4th opinion. Do these other places have experience with BPIs?

Nicki,
What is often referred to as the "Sever-L'Episcopo Surgery" involves muscle and tendon releases and transfers at the shoulder. It is a common and long-practiced and proven secondary surgery on the brachial plexus.

This surgery is based upon the work and publication by two doctors: Dr. Sever, who published several articles in the 1920's and Dr. L'Episcopo, who published in the 1930's. Many of the secondary surgeries performed today by the brachial plexus specialists have built upon the work of these two doctors.

Nancy

Hi Nicki,

This is the surgery that Mitchell had done by Dr. Drake when he was 4. He also had the "Z" cut in his pectoralis (pectoralis release). Did Dr. Drake talk about that for Hannah? I'm glad that you had a good appointment with him. Hope you are doing well.

Missy

All the places I have mentioned were with drs who are very familiar with BPI. Thanks for the opionions I have gotten. And the information about the surgery itself.

Nicki