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Hand & Wrist Conditions
Tendon Transfers for Nerve Injuries
Overview
A tendon transfer is a surgical procedure to return muscle and tendon function following the loss of muscle and tendon function due to nerve injuries, muscle-related injuries from trauma or an inflammatory disorder like rheumatoid arthritis, a neuromuscular disorder (traumatic brain injury, stroke, or cerebral palsy), or congenital abnormalities.
Tendon Transfer Procedure
The anaesthetic chosen depends on the type of injury and the mutual agreement between you and your surgeon. In most cases, the procedure involves creating several precise incisions over the skin. Once the viable tendon is located, the surgeon transfers it to the non-functional recipient site with utmost precision. In some cases, more than one transfer is required, and afterwards, stitches are used to seal the incision.
Recovery from a Tendon Transfer
Recovery from the procedure is a unique journey for each patient, tailored to their specific condition. Typically, after a tendon transfer, your surgeon may emphasize the importance of using a splint to protect the operative area until the tendon heals completely. This healing process may take a few months, but it's important to remember that it varies for each individual. Your surgeon will discuss the benefits of hand therapy as an option to promote a full return to mobility and function. The recovery process takes time and patience.
Adverse Effects of the Procedure
Like any surgery, adverse effects such as infection, bleeding, injury to surrounding blood vessels and tendons and stiffness in the hand are possible. However, our orthopaedic surgeons, who are highly skilled in this particular speciality, are dedicated to avoiding these risks by all means necessary. They will carefully consider various treatment options beforehand to ensure you are comfortable and safe in their highly specialised hands.
Our surgeons are thorough in their approach, considering and discussing a range of alternative solutions. These may include nerve transfer or repair, tendon or muscle repair, joint fusion, or splinting. This comprehensive consideration of options is to ensure you are comfortable with their technique and dedicated care.
Tendon Transfers for Nerve Injuries FAQ:
How long does a tendon transfer take?
The surgical procedure for a tendon transfer typically takes 1–3 hours, depending on the complexity of the injury and the number of tendons involved. Recovery and rehabilitation afterward are crucial, and full functional improvement can take several months, including physiotherapy to retrain the transferred tendon for its new function.
How do I know a nerve injury is serious?
A nerve injury may be considered serious if you experience:
- Persistent weakness or loss of movement in the affected limb.
- Numbness, tingling, or burning sensations that do not improve over time.
- Muscle wasting or visible changes in the affected area.
- Loss of ability to perform everyday tasks despite rest and therapy.
Early evaluation by an orthopaedic surgeon is essential to prevent permanent damage and determine whether surgical interventions, such as tendon transfers, are necessary.
Why Choose Umhlanga Orthopaedic Surgeons?
Expert Care
Patient-Centered Approach
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