Hand and Arm Disorders Program Patient Stories

Two CHOP orthopaedic experts collaborate to help Kate regain full range of motion of her arm by removing scar tissue that had built up around a fracture.

April suffered an injury to the brachial plexus nerves during birth. Her parents’ commitment to occupational therapy helped her gain the strength she needed to avoid surgery.

For the first 10 years of his life, Lucas had limited use of his right hand due to cerebral palsy. A surgery at CHOP gave him the mobility and flexibility that Lucas had always hoped for.

Caleb can now catch a ball with both hands, ride a bike and button up his own shirt, thanks to a series of reconstructive hand surgeries at CHOP to reduce scar tissues that limited his hand’s movement.

Harper was born with a rare defect in her right collarbone. Surgery at CHOP corrected the condition. Today, Harper is a thriving, active toddler who loves to run, climb and shoot hoops.

An advanced surgical technique helped Hamda, who is from the United Arab Emirates, regain a substantial amount of function in her right arm.

Kathryn and Brian learned at their 20 week ultrasound that their baby daughter had 10 perfect fingers — plus one more. 

Mariah favored her left arm when she played basketball due to a birth nerve injury to her right arm. Surgery by a CHOP orthopaedic surgeon restored her range of motion and made her a double threat. 

As Cruz's second birthday approached, he was unable to dress or feed himself due to a nerve injury at birth that affected the muscles in his arm. But two complex surgeries at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia restored full function to his arm and today there's nothing he can't do.

Five days before Matthew started college, an accident with a miter saw caused serious injury to his arm and almost cut short his freshman year.