United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

I had capsular shift surgery back in December of 2002. As a result of that surgery I was unable to lift my arm and had muscle atrophy in the deltoid. EMG tests revealed no deltoid function and I was diagnosed with a complete axillary nerve injury. I was told that it could be just a stretch injury or it could be severed. After six months with no sign of recover I had another shoulder surgery in June of 2003 to determine if I needed a nerve graft. The result of that surgery was that the nerve was still intact and I did not need a graft. While this is a good sign they can not give me an answer as to when or how well I will recover. My physical therapist has just started to try electronic stimulation on the deltoid but she can not get a contraction from the muscle as the atrophy is so bad.
Has anyone had a similar situation? I would like some info in terms of length of time for recovery and how well it recovers. Right now I don't really see any difference as a result of the second surgery.

Hi Chris, I have a similar deltoid to yours..have you made any progress with yours.

Yeah, I have had pretty good progress since my surgery in June. It's now about 8 months since that surgery. I have fairly normal function of my arm now and can fully lift it and move it. I still have weakness but with continued therapy that should improve. Based on my recovery so far I was tole I may get close to 100% again. I figure I am about 70% right now which isn't too bad.

What has your experience been?

Chris

Chris, Aurelia,

I had shoulder surgery 2 months ago and is now also suffering the same axillary nerve damage and loss of deltoid function. What was the key to recovery for you? Was it the electrical stimulation in PT? Was it exercising? What was the first sign that the deltoid functioned again?

Thanks.

- cheong

Thanks for reply., I have had no surgery but my problem is that the doctors don't know if its brachial or spinal injury. I can feel but my biceps and deltoid don't work on left side and on right side too they are weak but work. I am interested in peoples function without C5/C6 as that is my injury. Luckily my right side if strengthening up all the time but its not like pre-injury. My rotary cuff is clicking all the time so am worried about wearing out the joints in that area. I am going for another EMG soon to check out the innervation on left hand side.

I had surgery to remove two herneate discs and to put a plate on C-5, C-6, and C-7 August 1 2003. One week later I lost the ability to raise my right arm. One month later my left arm was exactly like my right arm. Each day and each week until late November I lost additional function and/or strength. My Doctors using MRI's found no fault in surgery, CT/meylograms no problems, and EMGs that there is some nerve function but it is slower and not of a sufficient strength. It was diagnosed as Briachial neuralgia and only time 12-24 months and PT will result in recovery.

In late November I asked for a prescription to join a health club to use the pool. I took the PT exercises that I had been doing out side the pool and used them in the pool. I was able without gravity to doe the exercises and concentrate on form not struggle to raise my arms. I noticed actual progress in two weeks. I was no longer losing ground but stabilized. At this point I started to add other exercises and circular movements which result in the raising of my arms stressing movement of the deltoids and biceps that are the greatest problem out of the water. It has now been three months of near daily pool work (30-40 min a day) I have gained stamina ( I still get tired but I am better then November) I could not raise my arm 9" from my side (15 degrees) I now can get to 65 degrees. I could raise my left and right arms to my chin when standing, now I can my arms to the top of my head and if I lean back can raise my arms in touch down fashion. It may be that I am substituting other muscles for these motions, If so atleast I can reach glasses in the cupboard and hold a 12 oz can of pop. I haven't made it to a 7-11 big gulp but will work toward this. All I can say is that I am making progress. If you want a detailed expaination of the exercises that I do in the pool e-mail me at Lsherman@ietcorp.com.
Good luck I hope this helps.