United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

A few months back I got my son's BPI records from the Hospital we have been seen at. They recommened a few surgeries in the report. I don't recall them talking about them with me. Anyway I was wondering if anyone knew what they were... Latissimus dorsi transfers (to augment shoulder forward flexion and abduction... what this?)? The other surgery is shoulder capsular release and transferes. Both surgeries are recommended by the same doctor but at two different evaulations. We have moved from the area and will no longer we seeing him otherwise I would have asked at out next appointment. Also it was suggested to wait until Ian is at least 24 months to do any surgery. He is 10 months now. And he currently has had no surgical intervention.
Thanks,
Kristie

Hi Kristie,

I can't recall, did you get to meet Dr. Nath at camp?

I hope that no matter who you have seen in the past that you will consider getting a second opinion for Ian from a bpi specialist, and when you do you can ask all your questions regarding surgery upfront and directly with the surgeon themselves.

You can of course also contact Dr. Nath by email or phone Lisa at TCH and they can explain the procedures to you. I'm sure other people who have had experiences with other doctors/institutions can share contact information with you as well.

Best of luck.

Bridget

Bridget,
Yes I did see Dr. Nath at camp. He agreed with Seattle Children's about not needing the primary. And our EMG confirmed that decision as well. He recomended the Mod Quad. Becasue of Francine's site I feel I understand what that is. I was just wondering how these other two compared with it.

Ian had been seeing a BPI specialist in Seattle. And I am planning on having him seen in Pittsburg, PA. I do also plan on having him continue to be monitered by TCH either by video or going to picnics. I like having more than one opinion since this area of treatment tends to have a wide range of opinions in the medical community.

Thanks for your input I value it highy!

Hi, Kristie. If you look at the TCH website, it will tell you specifically what they include in the Mod Quad procedure. As far as what the other dr recommended, it sounds like either procedure could be similar or include a portion of what's typically done in the Mod Quad. I would suggest contacting the dr. who wrote about those surgeries, even if you won't be seeing him again, to get more specifics on what he was recommending (and to findout why he never mentioned it to you!! -- that would upset me to see it in the records, but not discussed with me). I would also suggest that you ask Dr. Nath specifically what he had in mind as while you'll findout on the TCH site what the MQ typically entails, it really is unique to each child / injury exactly what they do in the O.R. He might not know for sure what they would do at this time (until Ian actually was in the surgery), but he might be able to give you a good idea. I agree in having more than one opinion and the opinions certainly do vary. Sometimes I find that drs. often agree on procedures, but not on the timing. In the meantime, it's great that everyone agrees that Ian doesn't need primary. I think that's one reason why 2 opinions are good too b/c whatever you decide to do, you certainly feel better about your more informed decision. Take care and it was nice chatting lastnight! -Tina