C-4 used for nerve graft

[Allison]

I was just curious if anyone else's child had c-4 (phrenic nerve) grafted and used to repair ruptures or avulsions? They usually harvest from the leg, this was not what happened in Bradley's case. I have always wondered why they did this, and was curious to know if anyone else's child had this done. We have not had any complications, and he continues to regain more function. We just started NMES at home.
I'm concerned about breathing issues, I notice he has these tiny little veins in his cheeks that pop out from time to time. Because c-4 is linked to the diaphragm and breathing, I am just a bit concerned. Thanks for any input folks:-)

[admin]

I think it would be best to ask your doctor why they chose that nerve. I'm sure there was some reason.

[Allison]

Guest,
Thank You, and I will. I just looked over the old op. report. They harvested a portion of the C4 sensory nerve along with it's branches, it was also dissected distally. It gave them a graft of 3-4 cm.
I was just curious to know if this was done on any other children, as I usually hear the nerve being taken from the leg. I guess I can be thankful for one less scar.

[m&mmom]

Allison,
Matthew's C4 was also part of his injury, so they couldn't take any from there. Dr. Shenaq explained that all nerves would come from his leg because of that.

Cindy

[Rachel]

Now, I am totally confused! Amanda had a huge neuroma around her phrenic nerve- x-ray showed a paralyzed left side of her diaphragm but we've had no probs with breathing. Her nerve graft came from behind her ear - a sensory nerve not sure which one---very interesting. I think I'll dig up her surgical report. Sorry, I'm no help!

How are you Allison? Amanda is still talking about Tinkerbell and wants to know why Calista can't come over for a playdate. Hope to see you soon!

[admin]

Mine had it done from sensory nerve behind the ear. It doesn't seem to be a problem.

[jennyinsandiego]

My daughter had to use both the nerve from her neck and her leg to cover all the grafts (4) she needed.-
Jenny

[Allison]

Rachel,
Hey there! I was thinking about you guys. Hope all is going well. We would love to get together!!! Please e-mail me @ pxy-dust@fast.net

The girls played so nicely together. My husband is gone most of the time. We would love to have you guys over! That's funny about the tinkerbell thing, Kalista still talks about it too. Amazing how a reflection from a watch can spark such amazment.

I'm still researching the c4 sensory nerve. It is behind the ear, and is just a sensory nerve. I'll share more once I get the whole scoop on it and why it's used.....

[admin]

The reason it was used for us was because there was enough nerve back there to do the nerve graft she needed without having to open up another part of her body which would have extended the length of time in the O.R. under anesthesia which was already about 7 hours. Back then surgeries were longer than they are now. If there was enough nerve to work with, then they would have gone to her legs. I'm happy they didn't. Dr. Nath said that it saved at least another hour.

[Allison]

http://www.drnathbrachialplexus.com/inj ... 3x_big.asp


here's a link showing where the C-4 sensroy is taken