This morning we met with the "Dream Team" of three top neuro surgeons of the Brachial Plexus Clinic, part of the Mayo Clinic. After reviewing all tests and pictures and examining Luke they believe that they can get some function back to Luke's left arm. There are three types of damage that can happen in the brachial plexus. There is avulsion, which is where the roots are detached from the spinal column, stretching and rupture. They still are not yet sure if any of the five roots are avulsed so Luke is scheduled for a myelogram at 6:00 a.m. tomorrow which will show any avulsions.
If the damage is the result of stretches or ruptures they will perform repair surgery next Tuesday. They are hoping to get function back to the shoulder and arm. The problem with attempting to regain function to the hand is that length of time for the nerves to regrow. After successful repair surgery the nerves will have to regrow to the end tissues at the rate of about an inch per month. That means approximately three years to reach the hand. Unfortunately, by that time, the muscles change to an irreversible state. The doctors feel attempting that would be futile.
Luke had a chest x-ray and one of his hand after meeting with the doctors. Then he had some blood drawn for type and cross match and his pre-operation interview.
---Bill
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We continue to stand with you all in prayer for Luke and his healing process, as well as with the doctors treating him. God has a great plan for Luke no matter what the medical outcome. He never closes a door without opening another.
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