United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

Hello all,

I saw my orthopaedic and neurosurgeon last week and they both agreed that my chances of a meaningful recovery, at this point in time, are slim, but not impossible. I explained how the subluxing, pain and nerve issues seem to be getting worse, despite my dedicated effort at PT and here at home. They mentioned shoulder fusion as a viable option. It would stabilize my shoulder, decrease the pain and actually give me more movement. I know it's a major surgery, so I am not quite ready to commit to that right now...so we agreed to continue PT and I will see them every 2 months.

Has anyone out there had/considered a fusion? Does anyone know of someone who's had one? And if so, are they happy with the results? Any and all info/advice would be welcome.

Thanks,
MB

Wow, all those shoulder doctors say the same.
Shoulder fusion is an old procedure. Did they tell you it doesn't always work the first time? And that it is extremely painful and that you will get new pain in you neck from pulling?
I had a subluxed shoulder for 22 years and this wonderful person, Angela, put out this info for all of us that live in pain everyday. This doctor is now doing this surgery 2x a week and people are coming from all over world to see him.
Search the "topic" to read more................

Please read this:

tendon/muscle transfer at mayo
Posted: Mar 21, 2009 7:05 AM Reply


I had surgery this wednesday to try and fix my shouldar (permanantly dislocated from the bp injury) without fusing it together. Dr.Elhassan was really excited with the immediate post-op results. He took tendons from the tendon bank and transferred 6 muscles from my back to my shouldar. I will also have to wear this huge yet hilarious brace for about 6wks.
It's such a relief painwise to have my shouldar in the right position. The only negative so far is that the surgery took 8hrs where
I was positioned on my left side. This caused my left lower leg to go numb and weak. It's an eerie feeling to have as it feels like a temporary bp injury only it's in your leg. The Dr.said it could take up too a week to recover that feeling and so far I'm almost at day four with only a little improvement. Unfortunately this temporary condition combined with other factors make it impossible for me to walk. I'm getting impatient as as soon as I have enough feeling in my left leg to be able to walk, I'm basically cleared to go home.

Good luck and stay away from fusion...............

the issue of the leg being effected was resolved, I had the surgery after Angela and my legs were perfectly fine. With every surgery they make things better and easier for the patient.