Any OTs or Physios here?

[bid]

Hi guys,

 

Just wondered if we have any OTs or Physios amongst our number?

 

I've been looking for information about hand surgery for radial palsy (my DD). I can't seem to find anything simple online, it's all either medical research papers or health boards. I asked my line manager at work (senior nurse) but it was too specialised for her

 

Does anyone have any idea what hand surgery would entail? I found a relatively simple article about surgery around the site of a humeral fracture, but nothing specifically about hands. I would just like a very straightforward explanation.

 

She has a completely floppy wrist and fingers.

 

Many thanks,

 

Bid

 

[Now peeps will produce hundreds of links highlighting what a numpty I am when it comes to Google! )

 

 

[Kathryn]

Hi Bid,

 

I know an OT. If you pm me the questions you want answered, I can try and ask her?

 

K x

 

 

 

[Mumble]

From GP Notebook

 

Don't know how reliable this one is: WikiDoc

 

You could also look on Patient UK - that's the site my GP usually refers me too - I'll look later when I have more time.

 

Also, you could ask the hospital for info sheets. They really should have given you such info if surgery has been suggested. I'm a bit torn on them - sometimes causes more anxiety than just being told 'right we're doing this, we're the experts and we know what we're doing'.

 

[bid]

Kathryn: thanks, will do

 

Mumble: thanks also. I understand how the nerve damage happened, etc, it's more that I'm keen to understand what any surgery might entail.

 

Bid

Edited July 13, 2009 by bid

[call me jaded]

Hi bid!

 

Not got any advice, but just wanting to send some positive vibes. My mother had a Bell's palsy and took some supplements. If you're interested I could find out what.

[pookie170]

 

Hey Bid,

my SIL (kinda thing) is a paediatric podiatrist. She is highly qualified so even though I know she works with the dangly bits at the end of our legs rather than feet, I thought I'd ask her if she knew what might be involved, and she replied with this:

 

 

"I'm not an expert on arms as you so rightly pointed out but they treat radial palsy similarly to carpel tunnel syndrome as far as i believe. If doesn't respond to gentle manipulation, splinting and antil inflammatory treatment, surgery is the next option. It's a simple procedure taking less than an hour and normally under local anaesthetic (depends on the age of the child though i suppose in this case!) She'll have a small scar maybe up to 2cm and will be out of action with the arm for about 6 weeks. Obviously this is a general answer and it depends on where the entrapment is, could be more or less complicated.

 

The scoliosis is a bigger issue. She could again be given physio for the muscle imbalance and insoles in shoes to alleviate problems, but if its a bony scoliosis (and not just abnormal muscle pull) then its sometimes a series of surgeries chipping at vertebrae"

 

She hastened to add that where the scoliosis is concerned, she hasn't a clue which way it might go because she doesn't know you guys. Or indeed, how complex/severe the scoliosis is. I hope that helps you? (And that it doesn't worry you, please god!!)

Best wishes to you all though, I hope things go well for your daughter- have a <'> on me.

 

Esther x

[bid]

Pookie, aren't you are star!! <'>

 

That's exactly the sort of info I was after...thank you so much

 

Bid

[Suze]

Hi Bid , my mum has had the carpal tunnel syndrome surgery on both hands, it seemed a quick procedure and for the first week she needed lots of paracetemol etc and there was swelling but she recovered really quickly and the surgery was a big success.Best wishes to your girlie <'>