Bullet injury

[gcoe]

Hi anrina

Our main concern is his right arm as he's not able to feel from elbow down and no movement in his right hand. How long would you expect the sensation to come back after the injury? Would it be useful to do a nerve conduction test?

Yes it could be. I take it the specialist primarily responsible is an orthopaedic surgeon? If so there should be a consultation with a neurlogist/neuorosurgeon team to evaluate the neural problem. Although the hand specialist may be right. They would be the best advisors on what neural tests should be undertaken. Definitely should be seen by the neuro team. No sensation and no movement is a very serious matter.

Would it be useful to test with a neurothesiometer? Not really an expert on this but no i don't think so. This test examines vibration sense and is sensitive for diabtic neurpathy in the foot. The neuro specialists should have organised a comprehensive workup- could include MRI, ultrasound, and nerve conduction

How long will it take for him to move his right hand? Couldn't say as i have no idea what was damaged and to what extent. Again this where the neurlogist/ neurosurgeon should be able to inform you and this should have been assessed. In such a significant high impact injury the concern is if the peripheral nerve has been severed ie Potentially no chance of recovery. Hopefully this is not the case. At the other extreme the nerve could be just bruised ( neuropraxia) due to swelling around the area which can recover within a matter of weeks. But this is a serious matter and must be managed by neuro personnel

Leaving the bullets in the arm wouldn't cause stiffness or any other probelms? Again depends on the site. If the fragments are imbedded somewhere away from the joint surfaces where the movement occurs and where soft tisues won't be irritated be better to leave sleepmg dogs lie. There is always risk involved in surgical removal. I think you have to be guided by the surgeon

What exercises / strengthening should he do? This has to be determined by the orthopaefic team - so the surgeon should guide the physio and the physio can then design a talored program. There may be a reason for a period of immobilisation if the bones need to heal Or ny other reconstructive surgery. Otherwise early mobility exercises within what the healing tissues can tolerate is started as early as possible. Strenthening may be appropriate and all this proceeds in a staged an orderly fashion

I thimk the specifics of the physio can't be given over the net even with an extensive questioning and your questions probably needed to be directed at the medical/surgical specialists. Are you concerned you may not be getting the best care?