What is a Tendon Transfer?
Your tendon is the strong cord at either end of a muscle that is attached to your bone that allow you to move your joints. In the forearm and hand, there are over forty different muscles that can perform overlapping function, and sometimes can move incorrectly after an injury. A tendon transfer surgery moves a working muscle and tendon to replace a non-working muscle and tendon.
Causes for a Tendon Transfer
There are a few reasons why you may need a tendon transfer:
- Nerve injuries – such as a cut, stretched, or torn nerve.
- Muscle injuries – such as trauma or rheumatoid arthritis.
- Neuromuscular disorders – like stroke, cerebral palsy, or traumatic brain injury.
- Birth defects.
What to Expect with a Tendon Transfer
Tendon transfer surgery may be performed outpatient, or you may be asleep. Your hand surgeon will help make the decision with you as to your preferred way of treatment. Your surgeon will also discuss with you if there are any alternatives for your injury, including:
- Repair or transfer of nerves
- Repair of muscle or tendon
- Splinting or fusion of joints
Risks of a Tendon Transfer
Most risks are rare, but can include:
- Bleeding
- Infection or injury to nearby nerves, tendons, or blood vessels.
- Hand stiffness
- Weakness of transferred muscle.
- Rupture of the transfer.