Dr. Greg Vigna is a rehabilitation physician and brachial plexus lawyer who has cared for many patients suffering from brachial plexus injuries. These injuries can result in life-long paralysis of the shoulder, arm hand in children and adults. The good news is there are surgical interventions that can help recovery in certain types of brachial plexus damage. Dr. Vigna works with leading experts in treatment and rehabilitation of brachial plexus injuries, including Erb’s Palsy and Klumpke’s Palsy, and as your brachial plexus injury lawyer develops a case around getting you the most effective life-long treatments possible.

Common Surgical Treatments

Neurolysis

Neurolysis is a surgical procedure that removes scar tissue or anything else blocking regeneration of a peripheral nerve. Nerves that run through the body, such as the brachial plexus nerves, can grow about one millimeter a day. If a nerve is cut, it will attempt to grow back together. Sometimes scar tissue or other physical changes to the area will get in the way. A neurosurgeon can remove the block and create an environment where the nerves are able to reconnect, resulting in a return of function.

Nerve Grafting

If a nerve has been severely torn, cut or a section is missing, it may not be able to grow back and reconnect to the other end of the nerve. In these cases a section of nerve from elsewhere in the body can be used to create a bridge. A nerve in the leg called the sural nerve is often used for this purpose. The surgeon attaches this nerve to each end of the damaged nerve, bridging the space in between.

Nerve Transfers

In a nerve transfer the surgeon takes a local nerve that is performing a duplicate function, and attaches it to a new set of targeted tissues. This is often used to help individuals regain the ability to bend the arm at the elbow. An “extra” nerve that controls hand motion is shifted over, and with physical therapy the patient learns how to stimulate that nerve to move the arm in a new way.

Tendon Transfers

Tendon transfers can also be used to help an individual regain lost function. A tendon is moved from one attachment point to another. This may be used to help an individual regain more hand function.

Muscle Transplant

If the above interventions are not expected to be successful, an entire muscle may be transplanted from another part of the body. The gracilis muscle from the upper leg is often used for this purpose. Nerves on each side of the transplanted muscle are strategically placed to encourage the nerves of the damaged area to reconnect. This provides the body with a new muscle to control the lost movement.

Your Leading Brachial Plexus Lawyer

There are many personal injury lawyers available. Dr. Greg Vigna‘s 20 plus years of medical experience managing these types of injury means that he understands what you are going through and what will help you get better. He works with leading specialists who can evaluate your symptoms and recommend the most advanced and successful therapies, which will be integrated into your legal case. Contact the Dr. Greg Vigna law firm to connect with a medical professional and receive a free case evaluation today. Our goals are best medical outcomes with maximum compensation for life-time needs.