United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

Hello, could any one give me some insight on the types of surgeries they have done for the hand and have gotten results from? I'm very determined to get anything out of it. Please let me know of any great neurosurgeons that will perform surgeries pertaining to hand movement. Thank-you very much.

John, We need more info! All kinds of BPI. I've talked with several people, one had use if arm, but lost hand movement and Mayo clinic in MN was able to use a nerve from his leg and he got function back after time to heal! If all nerves avulsed, it's a different story, but there's still things that can be done for improvement! If your able, I strongly suggest an appointment with Mayo.

John ,also post your question on the General Message Forum because a number of children and BPI Adults have had Hand surgery....they ususally do not come to the TBPI Forum like I do.
Carolyn J
LOBPI/74+++ [sometimes Bossy ]

Thank-you for your information. I've got all nerves avulsed except T5. I have no movement and no feeling from the shoulder down. First surgery was 12/27/12 and performed accessory to supra scapular transfer. Second surgery 3/14/13 and performed and F/P right intercostal to
musculocutaneous nerve transfer. No results from either surgery as it has only been a short time. T5 shows no new recovering nerve action.

My son had all 5 nerves avulsed in July 2012, he had surgery at Mayo on Nov 29, 2012. They removed muscle from right thigh and inserted into arm from shoulder to wrist. They also transfered his chest nerves to his arm muscle. They told him the best he'll get is arm bending and some hand grasping. But not to expect anything for 6-9 mos following surgery. My son was a finish carpenter and also installed the cabinets and countertops.
Some movement is better than none, so he's waiting!

My birth erbs never came with no doctors help ever, never was told of treatment or surgeries, No first read I could of been help on this web sight if a doctor would of said something
I am Glad you find help , but know its a quest
The best thing I learn with no help is to improve grasp , I drove semis for 25 years with birth erbs and driving motorcycles for years to with limited reach or lift . Squeeze a small rubber ball sent I was about 10 Squeezing just a little help overtime it stretches and helps pain in figures and improves grasp overtime.
Things really do get better because we learn new ways to adapt, This is so underlined by so many posts
Just thinking
Tom

I've had 1 Gracilis muscle transfer for limited basic elbow flexion with positive results (meaning my hand can reach my chin and nose, but I don't use it at that level much if ever). I've known of patients that have had a double transfer for rudimentary hand flexion successfully.

http://www.mayoclinic.org/medicalprofs/ ... lexus.html

Best of luck,
Christopher