United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

Thanks, everyone, for sharing these stories. They really help me learn more about what to look for. Narelle, I will e-mail you - thanks.

Claudia, when you say to go to an orthopedist who knows scoliosis, how do you do that without calling tons of orthopedists? For instance, with teeth, there are dentists, oral surgeons and then periodontists (I think they're called) for gum disease. Is there an orthopedic designation that would indicate a specialty in scoliosis?

Thank you!
Janet

You should also watch out for breast hypoplasia in girls. If the muscle on that side of the breast doesn't get circulatory nourishment, there can be under development. With muscle imbalances there is always a possibility of scoliosis.

My daughter recently saw Dr. Davino in Texas. He is who Texas Children's Hospital recommends for most of the rotational osteomies. He said most Obstetrical BPI's have some degree of scoliosis.

Christy (CW1992),\

My daughter Jessica's stomach sticks out a lot & the peditrician said nothing at her school physical (we're in a new town, so a new doctor) & he did check for signs of scoloisis, but saw none. But now I'm worried. Could you email me so that we can share details?

Thank you,

Monika

monika_wilson@yahoo.com

Hi Monika, I am trying to find pictures and I am on my way to take the girls to soccer practice - I will email you as soon as possible.
Christy

I read and heard about erb's palsy resulting later on with scoliosos. I can see it happening. So we are trying Kenisio tape again. It seems to have helped. OUr therapist has also had this and some can be major or minor. A good majority of these kids get this. I get brushed off often when I bring this up to the brachial plexus doctors. If you think your child has this, try to get an ex-ray. sometimes if you dont mention certain things to the doc's they dont tell.

Janet:
As I hate my medical plan, I won't even look in the book of doctors. I go by referral. However, I believe that doctors' specialties are listed in those books of which doctors are on your plan. If not, find an orthopod or primary care physician whose judgement you really trust, and ask for a scoliosis specialist. Our referral came from our pediatrician. We have to travel to get to this guy, but it is worth it.
There is also a "Scoliosis Foundation", perhaps a search will pull it up. You can ask for a list of doctors in your area.

My brother's scoliosis was not treated properly and he now (at the age of 47) has a tremendous hump in his back. He was able to stop the progression in his 30's by working out in a gym 3-4 times a week, but it stopped helping him in his 40's. My parents went to a doctor who said that it was nothing...by the time it was clear it was "something" it was too late.

Needless to say, we are hawkeyed on this one.

good luck,
claudia

I've heard that BPIs are more prone to scoliosis, but I haven't paid much attention to it until recently. I would imaging the balance issues and favoring the "unaffected side" has something to do with it.

I was recently told I had scoliosis after having x-rays and examination after a car accident. I should have known from grade school when they looked for it and someone mentioned that I had " a slight curvature of the spine", but I never paid much attention to it. Now, I'm 38 years old and it's giving me some pain in my back and hips... could be more from the accident than the scoliosis, I don't know.

I'm not the bpi, but my 8 year old daughter is and she definitely favors her left side (ROBPI) and I will definitely have her checked on a regular basis.

I know there are braces, possibly excercises (depending on the severity of the scoliosis), but I really need to find out more information on this topic.

Peggy

It is to bad that doctors do not have a check list of possible secondary conditions after OBPI.
This injury had a total body impact and often adult/obpi report that each one of their secondary injuries have been treated as if unrelated to bpi.
Kath

Kath:

You are absolutely right. I would love to have a list of secondary conditions related to BPI, but I've never come across one. Has UBPN ever considered compiling such a list (you'd be a great resource to get it started!)? It would be so great to have a list like that to give to new parents - a "what to watch for" kind of thing.

Guest ... How do you use kinesio tape? And what exactly does it correct/help? I know people have talked about it on the boards before, but I am clueless! Thanks!

Janet

Well, my mom knew something wasn't right, but they doctors here just kind of ignored it. They never gave it a name or anything. And even in the 6th grade I still had no idea what it was called. Thank goodness for the internet. That's how I found UBPN and all the wonderful people on here. This is a great website! Thanks everyone again.