United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

I am writing anonymously because of legal issues, but I wanted to report on great results we've had with the acomioplasty. Our daughter, who had the surgery not too long ago, is supinating for the first time ever and can't seem to stop! Everything is palms up, palms up. Her wrist isn't drooping any more either. The shoulder looks great as well. I am so amazed and in awe because I never, ever thought I would see her supinate. I would be interested to hear from other parents whose kids went through this. How are your children doing?

That's really great your daughter is well. Our son had a different procedure done by another surgeon, however I'm thrilled to report he can supinate almost fully and has almost full active range.

Before the capsule release it looked like his shoulder was falling off, now his shoulder looks about the same as the non affected side. He held his arm in a 30 degree contracted position and now he doesn't. He uses the right more freely now.


It's an outstanding feeling isn't it?

Cindy

It's always great to hear good news. My Bradley had the Acromio 7 months ago. He is also doing wonderfully. He can actively get both arms behind his head, his range has improved in all directions. If anyone else's child has had the acromio, please fill us in on your experiences. Bradley recently had a 3-d ct scan to see the results thus far. The head of his humerus is in it's proper place and looks more normal on the x-ray. Before the surgery, the head of his humerus was the size of a dime, now it looks just like the other side. He started weight bearing on the affected arm soon after his splint was removed. That was something he had never done before. I think the weight bearing is contributing to a positive outcome.

My friend's child lost a lot of the supination initially gained. Has this happened to anyone else?

Null,
I am so glad you posted this. Could you share all the supination gained is with the arm straight/extended in front of the child or is it more limited to the arm bent?

Congratulations! I sure hope the progress only continues!

My son, who is 8, had the surgery in March. We're only about 6 weeks out from the splint and are still recovering function. The biggest thing I notice is the ability to put his hand to his mouth without his elbow out to the side or up in the air. HOWEVER, habit is strong, and he will put that elbow up sometimes. But he CAN do it. Which he's never been able to do.
Jaime

I think this is wonderful. At camp one of the doctors asked if I could have anything what would I want...

Nancy and I said at the same time SUPINATION... I am sooooo very happy to see they have found a way to give back supination...

Kath

Kath,

Funny you say this because one of the doctors I took Jessica to told
me that supinating really wasn't that important! It's something they can live without, and there aren't too many things you need to supinate for!!

I thought that was nuts!!!!!! And, of course I've always been able to supinate, so I imagine there are even more things I didn't think of that
supination is important for!

My daughter Amanda had the acromioplasty on March 1st. She is only a few weeks out of the splint (wore it 24/7 for ten weeks and then another two just at night) I am certainly hoping that we will see great results but I also don't want people to think this is a cure for supination problems (for everyone). My daughter cannot supinate at all. She can however get her arm neutral now. We haven't seen improvement with her wrist from this surgery either. I'm not trying to be negative because we are happy with the way her shoulder is looking (definitely not perfect). The best result we have seen from this surgery is that she can now hold her arm straight down to her side. Before surgery she physically could not bring her arm down without bending her body into the letter C. Again, I am not trying to be a downer and I am so thrilled for those who have gotten incredible results - I just want everyone to remember that each child's injury is so different. Some of the kids with super results may not have had the exact severity of deformity in the shoulder as others. But I have to addd that I do not regret our decision to have this surgery and am still hopeful to see better results through her rehab.

Rachel,

Thank you very much for sharing and my goodness DON'T you even worry about sharing an experience that wasn't quite as positive. I have a friend who in time lost the supination gained after the surgery, so like you said it isn't the magic cure for all of our children. I am glad you posted because we all need to hear from various parents and not jump to the conclusion that our child will have the same results, only to be disappointed. That is great news about the elbow down and something to enjoy in itself. Best wishes to you.

What exciting news...That is fantastic what the 3D CT showed...Did you get to see that yourself? The before and after pictures? That would be so cool to see...absolutely phenomenal...I am so happy for you, it is always so good to hear of such great results and so fast too...I don't come here often...where did you have the acromio done and how old is your little guy if you don't mind my asking...Best of luck to you...