JJ Hodge: A Journey of Strength and Recovery at OrthoCarolina’s Brachial Plexus Clinic

After sustaining a life-altering spinal cord injury, JJ Hodge found himself seeking expert care and a path to recovery with OrthoCarolina's Brachial Plexus Clinic. This marked the beginning of a transformative journey for JJ that would involve specialized treatment from leading specialists dedicated to restoring function and improving the quality of life for patients with similar injuries.

The Path to Specialized Care

Following a severe car accident, JJ sustained a C5 level injury. This means that the injury occurred at the fifth cervical vertebra in the spine. This area is located in the neck region and is responsible for providing nerves to control the deltoids, biceps, and wrist extensors. An injury here can result in partial or complete paralysis of the arms, hands, and legs, as well as potential issues with breathing.

A C5 injury often happens due to:

• Accidents: Car crashes, falls, or sports injuries are common causes.
• Disease: Conditions like cancer or arthritis can weaken the vertebrae.
• Birth Defects: Some people are born with abnormalities in their cervical spine.

The severity of the injury can vary, but it typically requires significant medical attention, rehabilitation, and adaptive equipment to help with mobility and daily activities.JJ and his family sought help from the Shepherd Center in Atlanta. There, JJ met a patient who had undergone tendon transfer surgery to regain thumb pinch function, and he was impressed. Wanting the same procedure, the doctors at the center recommended it and contacted Dr. Glenn Gaston for an evaluation. Thanks to this referral, JJ underwent tendon transfer surgery with a focus on restoring thumb pinch. The operation was successfully performed by Dr. Gaston, Dr. Dan Lewis, Dr. Bryan Loeffler, and Dr. Peter Waters.

The OrthoCarolina Experience

JJ's family was very pleased with how the doctors and therapists talked through how the surgery would go, what recovery would entail, and how he would be in hinge casts during the healing process. The efficiency of the Brachial Plexus team stood out to JJ's mom, as surgery was scheduled promptly after their consultation. JJ's mother, Beth Hodge, described the experience of meeting the team—which also included Kailey Bedford, MOT, OTR/L, CHT—as nothing short of impressive.

"Everyone was super nice, and explained everything well," she recalls.

Multidisciplinary Approach to Recovery

Our multidisciplinary team approach was key to JJ's recovery. Surgeons, physiatrists, physical therapists, and occupational therapists worked together to provide comprehensive care. This collaboration covered everything from scheduling the first appointment to support in the years after surgery.

Tendon Transfer Surgery Restores JJ's Arm and Thumb Function

The tendon transfer surgery involved carefully rerouting a tendon from JJ's bicep to his tricep, bypassing the damaged area that was impairing his arm function. JJ had a spinal cord injury in 2019 and was initially treated at the Shepherd Center in Atlanta, where he underwent extensive rehabilitation. When his recovery had maximized, he was left with shoulder function and the ability to flex his elbows but had no use of his hand and was unable to extend his elbows, consistent with a C5 level tetraplegia.

The goal of the procedure was to restore JJ's elbow extension and enable him to pinch. To achieve this, the surgeons rerouted his biceps muscle to the back of his arm, allowing him to straighten his arm without losing the ability to bend it. This was a significant improvement, enabling him to reach for objects and better drive his wheelchair. Additionally, they moved a muscle called the brachioradialis to his thumb to restore his ability to pinch, allowing him to hold objects for the first time since the accident.JJ was placed in casts for an initial 6 weeks of straight casts, followed by 4 weeks of hinge casts for recovery. Additionally, JJ engaged in therapy to aid the healing process.

The surgery granted JJ the use of his triceps, a significant improvement in his ability to transfer himself independently and avoid the need for constant assistance. Beth explained that after his first surgery, JJ's quality of life drastically improved.“It helps with driving (the wheelchair) and doing things on his own. It’s amazing,” she said.

Future Steps Towards Independence

Looking forward, JJ is gearing up for another tendon transfer surgery on his other hand. This will boost his independence and may even enable him to learn to drive.

Overcoming Challenges and Making Progress

Though JJ’s recovery hasn’t always been easy, the progress he's made has exceeded expectations. Following surgery, JJ adapted quickly, learning new ways to control his arms, something that initially seemed impossible. “At first, I didn’t think I was making progress, but then I realized I just had to move my arm differently than I used to,” JJ shared. His determination and ability to adjust his mindset were essential in helping him regain control and strength.

Reflections and Advice

Reflecting on his journey, JJ suggests that those facing similar challenges should consider getting the surgery sooner rather than later. He found that it greatly improved his life. The Hodges also emphasize the importance of patience during recovery, as progress might not always be immediately visible, but it comes with time and persistence.

Personalized Care and Teamwork

Beth also praised the OrthoCarolina team for the personalized care JJ received. "They tailored everything to JJ’s specific needs. It wasn’t one-size-fits-all; it was like he really wanted to see progress, not just get the surgery done." She was also impressed by how they all worked together, explaining how they tested JJ's muscles during the surgery, ensuring the best possible outcome. “It was fun to watch them work together, they all had their own language, but it was clear they were speaking in sync."

The Impact of Specialized Care

JJ Hodge’s story is one of perseverance, hope, and the power of specialized care. Thanks to OrthoCarolina’s Brachial Plexus Clinic, JJ has regained crucial functions and is looking forward to even greater independence, including driving a car.

If you're facing injuries similar to JJ's, explore how OrthoCarolina's Brachial Plexus Clinic can play a crucial role in your recovery. Learn about the specialized care and comprehensive support network that can revolutionize your life.