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Spinal Cord Injury: Tendon Transfer Surgery

Media Type

Info Sheet

Reviewed Date

Aug 1, 2022

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Tendons are the part of the body that connects muscle to bone.  Tendon transfer reconstructive surgery is a procedure used to improve strength in the elbow, wrist or hand for people who have weakness due to a spinal cord injury.  The surgery uses tendons from stronger muscles and attaches them to weaker muscles to give the weaker muscle more power.


 Tendon transfer surgery is usually appropriate for people with cervical 5 through thoracic 1 injury and: 
•    Weak or nonfunctioning wrists and hands
•    Injury was at least one year ago  
•    Are able to understanding the risks and benefits
•    Would be able to do more for themselves after recovery
•    Are motivated to participate in therapy
•    Have all active medical conditions including mental health well controlled
•    Have reasonable range of motion, sensation and strength of the upper extremities.
 

Important things to consider:
•    During recovery from surgery, people will need more help than usual for a while, possibly including a power wheelchair during the non-weight bearing time after surgery.
•    Casting, splinting and several weeks of therapy are an important part of the recovery program.  
•    Doing exercises at home is essential. 
•    It may take as long as six months before getting the full benefit and minor revisions may be needed.
•    The procedure is considered elective so it may not be covered by some insurance companies.  Your medical team will work with you to obtain coverage if possible by emphasizing the long-term benefits if you qualify for the procedure medically.

 If you are interested in exploring this option, please talk with your occupational therapist and doctor or call the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab 312-238-1000. 

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This content is for informational purposes only and may not be comprehensive. Information contained does not imply an endorsement from Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, and does not replace the advice of a qualified healthcare professional.  See here for further details. © Shirley Ryan AbilityLab (formerly Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago). Henry B. Betts LIFE Center – (312) 238-5433 – https://www.sralab.org/lifecenter

Publication Information

Title

Spinal Cord Injury: Tendon Transfer Surgery

Author

Shirley Ryan AbilityLab - Spinal Cord Injury Team

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