Hand Tendon Transfers eMedicine Plastics

Description: Paralysis of the upper extremity produces major functional impairment. The ability to perform activities of daily life can be severely compromised, especially in bilateral paralysis. When muscle-tendon units remain functional in an extremity, consider sacrificing one function to restore another by transferring the working unit to a new location. Restoring something as simple as a pinch grip can create major improvement in the function of the extremity.
Synonyms and related keywords: tendon transfer, muscle transfers, activities of daily living, ADLs, muscle-tendon units, upper extremity reconstruction, obstetric brachioplexus palsy, brachial plexus palsy, tendon repair, hand reconstruction, hand function, polio, paralysis, hand surgery
Higgs & Baumeister 2006