Nerve and Tendon Transfers Surgery

Nerve and tendon transfer surgery is a complex surgical procedure used to restore function and improve mobility in individuals who have experienced nerve or tendon injuries. This type of surgery involves transferring healthy nerves or tendons from one part of the body to another to compensate for damaged or non-functioning nerves or tendons elsewhere. Nerve and tendon transfers can help restore muscle function, sensation, and overall function in areas affected by injury or paralysis.

Nerve Transfers:

• Procedure: In nerve transfer surgery, a healthy nerve with intact function is transferred from its original location to a site where a nerve has been damaged or lost function. The healthy nerve is carefully attached to the damaged nerve using microsurgical techniques to restore nerve function and promote muscle activation.
• Indications: Nerve transfers are commonly performed in cases of peripheral nerve injuries, such as brachial plexus injuries (which can result from trauma or certain medical conditions). They may also be used to restore function in conditions such as facial paralysis or peripheral nerve palsies.
• Recovery: Recovery from nerve transfer surgery involves a period of rehabilitation and physical therapy to optimize nerve regeneration and muscle function. The timeline for recovery varies depending on the extent of the nerve injury and the individual's overall health.

Tendon Transfers:

• Procedure: Tendon transfer surgery involves transferring a healthy tendon from its original attachment to a new location to restore function in muscles that have lost their normal tendon connections due to injury or paralysis. This can help restore movement and stability to joints affected by tendon injuries or conditions such as tendon ruptures or tendonitis.
• Indications: Tendon transfers are commonly used to improve function in conditions such as rotator cuff tears, wrist drop (radial nerve palsy), foot drop (peroneal nerve palsy), and certain types of spinal cord injuries.
• Recovery: Recovery from tendon transfer surgery also involves a period of rehabilitation and physical therapy to strengthen the transferred tendon and restore functional movement. The specific rehabilitation protocol will depend on the individual's condition and the goals of the surgery.