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Post by kevin2109 on Mar 30, 2015 14:45:57 GMT -7
Are there any super high transhumeral amputees (a surgical neck amputee?) that would be willing to share some of their experiences with me? I am trying to decide the amputation level of my paralyzed left arm. I was involved in a motorcycle accident October of 2013 and as a result the nerves were torn (avulsed) from my spinal cord that control my arm (The group of nerves is called the brachial plexus) so my arm is 100% flaccid (paralyzed) with no chance of recovery. All it does is get in my way and hinder my life; it is time for it to go so I may live a simpler and more productive lifestyle. Bethany Hamilton is my idol and I would like my arm (don't call it a stump) to be just like her's. I would prefer to have nothing in my way because anything "extra" won't be usable; I don't have use/control of my shoulder muscles. However, I'm going to keep my shoulder so I can fill out a shirt or jacket:   |
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Post by stonecutter on Mar 31, 2015 6:59:22 GMT -7
Yup - there are at least two members that fit the description of super-high arm amps that I can think of... I'm sure they'll be by soon.
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Post by snowyh on Apr 1, 2015 2:48:58 GMT -7
Hi, Kevin. I am not a transhumeral amputee (no humerus remaining), and I've never even heard of the term "surgical neck amputee," but I am what would be considered a super-high arm amp. If you have any specific questions I'll do my best to answer them... either post them here or message me privately.
As a general rule, the more residual limb there is to work with, the more options you will have with regard to prosthetics. You should consider meeting with a prosthetist before making your final decision, as they'll be in the best position to advise you.
One consideration for getting a high transhumeral amputation is that, as the shoulder muscles atrophy they draw up the shoulder on that side, giving the impression that your shoulder is raised--an unbalanced appearance. The way to combat this is to exercise the muscles in your shoulder regularly, which it sounds like you would not be able to do given your paralysis. Bethany, being an athlete, gets bilateral shoulder exercise from her lifestyle. Most high-level arm amputees that I have seen have one raised shoulder because of the muscle atrophy.
IMO you are smart to remove the useless arm, and wise to keep your shoulder--I wish I had one!
Helen
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Post by Deleted on Apr 1, 2015 10:53:46 GMT -7
I had my arm stump from an earlier accident and shoulder removed a month ago.
The operation was a total success and cured the problems.
I have become somewhat of an expert on three types of operations you are looking at.
Read my various posts and then message me privately and we can chat, write, talk or whatever.
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Post by kevin2109 on Apr 1, 2015 14:25:52 GMT -7
I get the "surgical neck" from the anatomy of the shoulder, as pictured:  From an article on the The Orthotics & Prosthetics Virtual Library website on Shoulder Disarticulation and Forequarter Amputation: Surgical Principles: "Although amputation through the surgical neck of the humerus is functionally equivalent to shoulder disarticulation, maintenance of shoulder width and axillary contour by the former procedure is a distinct cosmetic advantage." www.oandplibrary.org/alp/chap10-01.aspHi, Kevin. I am not a transhumeral amputee (no humerus remaining), and I've never even heard of the term "surgical neck amputee," but I am what would be considered a super-high arm amp. If you have any specific questions I'll do my best to answer them... either post them here or message me privately. As a general rule, the more residual limb there is to work with, the more options you will have with regard to prosthetics. You should consider meeting with a prosthetist before making your final decision, as they'll be in the best position to advise you. One consideration for getting a high transhumeral amputation is that, as the shoulder muscles atrophy they draw up the shoulder on that side, giving the impression that your shoulder is raised--an unbalanced appearance. The way to combat this is to exercise the muscles in your shoulder regularly, which it sounds like you would not be able to do given your paralysis. Bethany, being an athlete, gets bilateral shoulder exercise from her lifestyle. Most high-level arm amputees that I have seen have one raised shoulder because of the muscle atrophy. IMO you are smart to remove the useless arm, and wise to keep your shoulder--I wish I had one! Helen |
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