St.Helens prop Noah Stephens has undergone five-hour brachial plexus nerve transfer surgery as he begins the next stage of his recovery from injury.
The 22-year-old, a proud product of the Saints Academy, has sadly been sidelined since suffering the shoulder injury back in May when St.Helens went to Castleford Tigers in the Super League, which saw the forward go from the stadium to the hospital on the day of the game.
It is a complicated nerve damage injury, which is a slow process to rehab and recover, and has severely impacted the use of his left arm. Following further meetings and tests with neurological physiotherapists, surgery was recommended.
The five-hour operation involved three nerve transfers from his tricep to the C5 and C6 nerves, which work the deltoid muscle in the shoulder and the bicep in the upper arm. The procedure aims to help restore nerve function to these muscles, and give Noah more control of his left arm.
Noah’s surgery marks an important milestone, following months of uncertainty and preparation, as he begins the next stage of his recovery.
Everyone at St.Helens R.F.C. would like to send Noah our love and support as he faces the road ahead, with the entire Club behind him. We will be with him every step of the way to support him throughout his rehabilitation, and look forward to getting him back on the field in the Red V where he belongs.
Chairman Eamonn McManus stated: “Noah has been enduring incredibly difficult physical and emotional challenges for the last six months, but this complex surgery has given him a platform for gradual recovery.
“If ever there was a stark example of the risks and sacrifices that our players make to their bodies and to their lives, for the sake of our weekly entertainment, then Noah’s experience proves that in abundance. We should all be truly grateful.
“The Club and all associated with it will continue to support him every step of the way during his long recovery process.”
