Care Tailored for Families & Children

As soon as you notice it — ideally in the first weeks of life. Many babies with a brachial plexus birth injury recover on their own, but the window in which nerve surgery can help is limited, so early evaluation keeps every option open. You don't need to wait for recovery to stall before calling.

Usually not. Goal-directed nerve and tendon surgery can improve hand position, grasp, and ease of daily care. There is rarely a hard cutoff by age — options exist for school-age children, teenagers, and adults. The right question isn't whether something can be done, but which goal matters most to your family.

Families are welcome to call the office directly. Some plans require a referral from your primary care physician before a specialist visit, so it's worth checking yours. The office can help you sort that out when you call.

Dr. Irwin sees patients through Rothman Orthopaedics, which participates with a wide range of commercial and pediatric plans. Coverage varies by plan and changes over time. Please call the office to verify your insurance before your visit — the staff does this every day and can check your plan while you're on the phone.

Dr. Irwin takes a full history, examines your child, and explains the diagnosis in plain language — with drawings if that helps. You'll walk through every reasonable option, including non-surgical ones and watchful waiting, and you'll leave with a written or clearly explained plan. Questions are welcome, and no question is too small.

Bring your insurance card and photo ID, any referral your plan requires, and prior imaging with its reports. Also helpful: clinic and therapy notes, your list of questions, and a comfort item or snack for your child. If records are hard to gather, come anyway. Incomplete records should never delay an evaluation.

No. Many children seen in this practice never need an operation. Surgery is recommended only when it clearly serves your child's function and future, and the reasoning is always explained so your family can decide with confidence.

Often, yes — therapy is frequently where results are won, especially after nerve surgery or tendon transfers. The office works with hand therapists and occupational therapists near your home so you're not driving to Orlando for every session.

Yes. Families travel from across Florida, the United States, and internationally. The office can combine consultation, imaging, and testing into an efficient trip, and records can be reviewed ahead of your visit so the appointment is as productive as possible.

No. Congenital hand differences form very early in pregnancy and are not caused by anything a parent did or didn't do. This comes up in almost every first visit, and it deserves a clear answer: this is not your fault.

Keep it simple and honest — the doctor is going to look at their hand and talk with you, and nothing painful happens at a first visit. Bringing a favorite toy or book helps, and older children are welcome to ask their own questions; Dr. Irwin talks to them directly, not just about them.

The office aims to call you back within 24 to 48 hours, and new patients are typically seen within 7 to 10 days. Newborns with a suspected brachial plexus birth injury are prioritized and seen sooner — if that's your situation, say so when you call.

Both. The practice is built around children, and Dr. Irwin also sees adults. That includes adults living with the long-term effects of a brachial plexus birth injury, cerebral palsy, or a congenital hand difference. It also includes adults with nerve injuries and complex hand and wrist problems. His first fellowship covered hand and upper extremity surgery across all ages.