Responses to Brachial Plexus Runner
Mark Raabe
Description
Collection
Title:
Responses to Brachial Plexus Runner
Creator:
Mark Raabe
Date:
9/20/2006
Text:
My original post:
Hi all,
Have an athlete with disability, right brachial plexus lesion 2º to MBA.
Nerve transplantation for shoulder stability, has worked but not 100%.
Running short to long distance on the track.
Binding arm across chest with hand close to opposite shoulder at present.
Would like to try and position arm for more normal swing during running but
maintaining shoulder subluxation support.
About to try Wilmer carrying orthosis with modifications.
Wondering if anyone has had experience with this type of scenario?
Responses:
I have had good results containing sublux shoulders using a homemade device.
Using remnants of Alpha gel liner I create a cuff encircling the arm. I use
the newer liners, their outer covering is able to stick to Velcro. The
Alpha gel is cut to form flat piece, then after fitting Velcro closure is
sewn on, use china paper on gel side to prevent sticking to sewing machine
pawl. The Velcro is longitudinal along cut edge rather then straps
perpendicular to edge. This gel provides excellent adhesion to skin. Then
I fashion a sort of figure 8 harness, modified to look also similar to a
shoulder holster for a handgun. The straps that need to be adjustable are
for donning and to adjust lift
of the arm. This allows patients to swing arm while maintaining joint
integrity. My patients have been primarily cancer treatment with a few
CVA's.
Hope this helps.
I am very interested in hearing what the list replies. We have several
patients who would benefit from stabilizing a brachial plexus injury. We
have also been discussing an idea to also incorporate a lift assist elbow
joint with a body powered figure 9 axilla strap attached to a type of elbow
orthosis to promote some function too. Please list your responses.
Where do you get the Wilmer Carrying Orthosis?
You should try the Theratogs Shoulder Positioning Orthosis
www.theratogs.com.
It works great to stabilize the shoulder to allow a normal swing of the
elbow. it is lightweight and won't interfer with running. It can be worn
under the clothes although it may need an additional piece around the waist
as a pelvic anchor. It is more expensive than the typical shoulder support
l codes, so you would need to use a misc code.
Outcome:
Patient has been fit with Wilmer Carrying Orthosis with mixed results.
The devise is great for positively locating the humeral head, it even has a
release mechanism to allow the arm to hang naturally.
However the lateral deviation from the midline during running is still
excessive even with additional harnessing.
The Wilmer Carrying Orthosis is available from company called Ambroise;
they are located in the Netherlands. We purchased ours from a local
distributor here in Australia.
Thank you to all respondents
Mark Raabe
OrthoSynergy Pty Ltd
P: 02 9526 8066
F: 02 9531 2806
E: <Email Address Redacted>
Hi all,
Have an athlete with disability, right brachial plexus lesion 2º to MBA.
Nerve transplantation for shoulder stability, has worked but not 100%.
Running short to long distance on the track.
Binding arm across chest with hand close to opposite shoulder at present.
Would like to try and position arm for more normal swing during running but
maintaining shoulder subluxation support.
About to try Wilmer carrying orthosis with modifications.
Wondering if anyone has had experience with this type of scenario?
Responses:
I have had good results containing sublux shoulders using a homemade device.
Using remnants of Alpha gel liner I create a cuff encircling the arm. I use
the newer liners, their outer covering is able to stick to Velcro. The
Alpha gel is cut to form flat piece, then after fitting Velcro closure is
sewn on, use china paper on gel side to prevent sticking to sewing machine
pawl. The Velcro is longitudinal along cut edge rather then straps
perpendicular to edge. This gel provides excellent adhesion to skin. Then
I fashion a sort of figure 8 harness, modified to look also similar to a
shoulder holster for a handgun. The straps that need to be adjustable are
for donning and to adjust lift
of the arm. This allows patients to swing arm while maintaining joint
integrity. My patients have been primarily cancer treatment with a few
CVA's.
Hope this helps.
I am very interested in hearing what the list replies. We have several
patients who would benefit from stabilizing a brachial plexus injury. We
have also been discussing an idea to also incorporate a lift assist elbow
joint with a body powered figure 9 axilla strap attached to a type of elbow
orthosis to promote some function too. Please list your responses.
Where do you get the Wilmer Carrying Orthosis?
You should try the Theratogs Shoulder Positioning Orthosis
www.theratogs.com.
It works great to stabilize the shoulder to allow a normal swing of the
elbow. it is lightweight and won't interfer with running. It can be worn
under the clothes although it may need an additional piece around the waist
as a pelvic anchor. It is more expensive than the typical shoulder support
l codes, so you would need to use a misc code.
Outcome:
Patient has been fit with Wilmer Carrying Orthosis with mixed results.
The devise is great for positively locating the humeral head, it even has a
release mechanism to allow the arm to hang naturally.
However the lateral deviation from the midline during running is still
excessive even with additional harnessing.
The Wilmer Carrying Orthosis is available from company called Ambroise;
they are located in the Netherlands. We purchased ours from a local
distributor here in Australia.
Thank you to all respondents
Mark Raabe
OrthoSynergy Pty Ltd
P: 02 9526 8066
F: 02 9531 2806
E: <Email Address Redacted>
Citation
Mark Raabe, “Responses to Brachial Plexus Runner,” Digital Resource Foundation for Orthotics and Prosthetics, accessed November 24, 2024, https://library.drfop.org/items/show/227325.
