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Chiropractors/long thoracic nerve palsy & nerve regeneration

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Expert: Dr. J. Shawn Leatherman - 6/19/2009


Question
It's been 8 years since my daughter's shoulder injury where she damaged her long thoracic nerve. The EMG at the time stated the nerve was dead. She has scapular winging with subluxion of the right shoulder. She also has Ehlers-Danlos type 3. Is there any successful nerve transplants of the thoracic nerve to allow the serratus muscle to fire properly & allow the shoulder to function again?

Answer
Dear Christine,

Unfortunately this is out of my area of expertise.  

Although I have never heard of a successful nerve transplant surgery, the advent of Stem cell Research may allow regrowth as an option with stem cell implantation.  The connective tissue disease that your daughter has will obviously complicate matters.  This is an issue that you would need to consult with physicians who are on the cutting edge of medical technology in the fields of neurosurgery, neurology as well as stem cell research to get the best information.

I wish I could be more help to you. Good Luck.

Respectfully,
Dr. J. Shawn Leatherman  

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Dr. J. Shawn Leatherman

Expertise

I can answer questions on general chiropractic care, sports injury, whiplash and auto crash, mild traumatic brain injury, structural and functional rehabilitation of the spine, nutrition for inflammation and repair, fitness training, nutrition for sports performance and other general health and nutrition related inquiries. I currently lecture on automobile trauma, occupant kinematics, and forensic risk analysis to local EMS, Fire and Police, as well as nutrition and sports injury to community groups. Rest assured all answers are generated from my clinical experience, and scientific research.

Experience

I have accumulated over 1100 hours of post-doctoral training to include; Certifications in Spinal Trauma and Mild Traumatic Brain Injury from the Spine Research Institute of San Diego, Certification in Chiropractic Spinal Trauma from the International Chiropractic Association, Certification in Low Speed Auto Crash Reconstruction and Certification in Forensic Risk Analysis from The Center for Research Into Automotive Safety and Health, Certified Proficiency in spinal and extremity diagnostic procedures from The Motion Palpation Institute, Certified in Sports Injury and Rehabilitation from the National University of Health Sciences and The American Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians, Nationally Certified Fellow of Structural Rehabilitation from The Chiropractic Biophysics Organization, and I have advanced training in manipulation under anesthesia and nutrition. Feel free to check out my website for course listings: www.suncoasthealthcare.net

Organizations
International Chiropractic Association, Florida Chiropractic Association, American Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians, American Academy of Pain Management, Chiropractic Biophysics, Spine Research Institute of San Diego, Center for Research Into Automotive Safety and Health, Motion Palpation Organization, American Academy of Manual and Physical Medicine, Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce

Education/Credentials
B.A. (Psychology)The University of Cincinnati B.S. (Human Biology)Cleveland Chiropractic College D.C. (Doctor of Chiropractic) Cleveland Chiropractic College C.C.S.T. (Certification in Chiropractic Spinal Trauma)The International Chiropractic Association C.C.S.P. (Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician)The American Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians. *CCST and CCSP 120 hour certification courses are not recognized by the Florida Chiropractic Board due to the fact that they are not 300 hour diplomate level courses*

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