About Steindler Flexoroplasty
Key Highlights
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Restores active elbow flexion, enabling essential functions like feeding and self-care.Utilizes the patient's own muscles (autograft), eliminating rejection risks.Primarily performed in children, taking advantage of neuromuscular plasticity for better adaptation.Can significantly improve limb position, hygiene, and overall upper limb function.Often part of a staged, comprehensive surgical plan for complex brachial plexus injuries.
Who is this surgery for?
- Persistent, significant weakness or paralysis of elbow flexors (biceps/brachialis) due to brachial plexus birth palsy (obstetrical brachial plexus injury).
- Residual deficit from poliomyelitis affecting upper limb function.
- Traumatic nerve injuries leading to irrecoverable loss of elbow flexion.
- Certain spinal cord or peripheral nerve disorders resulting in a flail elbow.
- Patients with adequate strength in the wrist and finger flexor muscles (the donor muscles) to power the transfer.
How to prepare
- Comprehensive evaluation by a pediatric orthopedic surgeon and often a neurologist or physiatrist.
- Detailed physical examination and muscle strength grading (e.g., Medical Research Council scale) of the affected and donor muscles.
- Diagnostic imaging such as MRI or ultrasound to assess muscle anatomy and health.
- Electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction studies to evaluate nerve and muscle function.
- Pre-operative physiotherapy to maintain joint range of motion and muscle conditioning.
- Standard pre-surgical protocols: blood tests, anesthesia consultation, and fasting instructions.
Risks & possible complications
- Infection at the surgical site.
- Bleeding or hematoma formation.
- Nerve injury, potentially affecting sensation or function in the hand.
- Incomplete transfer or failure of the muscle transfer to provide adequate elbow flexion.
- Loss of wrist or finger flexion strength (donor site morbidity).
- Elbow flexion contracture or stiffness.
- Scarring and wound healing issues.
- Risks associated with general anesthesia.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Initial immobilization in a cast or splint with the elbow bent for approximately 4-6 weeks to protect the transfer.
- Strict elevation of the arm to manage post-operative swelling.
- Pain management as prescribed by the medical team.
- Gradual, supervised initiation of physiotherapy after immobilization to 're-educate' the transferred muscle and regain elbow motion.
- Long-term, dedicated occupational and physical therapy is crucial to train the brain to use the new muscle pathway and maximize functional gains.
- Regular follow-up visits with the surgeon to monitor healing and progress.
- Full integration and strength development can take several months to a year.
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Typical hospital stay: 3-5 days
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Expected recovery time: 6-12 months for full functional recovery
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering steindler flexoroplasty in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Top-rated hospitals in India with pediatric orthopedics departments and experienced surgeons are ideal for this procedure. Use MediFyr to compare facilities, reviews, and doctor profiles before you decide.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform steindler flexoroplasty. MediFyr helps you compare pediatric orthopedics and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for steindler flexoroplasty compare across other countries where we have data.
Sophia Ali is a bright and...
Sophia Ali is a bright and determined 8-year-old who loves drawing and playing the piano. She was born with a brachial plexus injury during a difficult delivery, leaving her with a weak right hand and an inability to bend her elbow fully. For years, she has struggled with simple tasks like brushing her hair, feeding herself, or holding a book. Her parents noticed her growing frustration as she watched her friends do things with ease. After years of occupational therapy with limited progress, her pediatric orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Evans, recommended a Steindler flexoroplasty. He explained that by transferring muscles from her wrist to her elbow, they could give her the strength to bend her arm. The surgery went smoothly. The initial weeks in a cast were challenging for the active girl, but she was motivated by the promise of a more functional arm. After intensive post-op therapy, Sophia gained over 45 degrees of active elbow flexion. The emotional shift was profound; she went from feeling defined by her limitation to empowered by her new ability. She can now hug her parents with both arms, play simple melodies on the piano with two hands, and her drawings are more detailed than ever.
Pediatric Orthopedics for Steindler Flexoroplasty
Explore experienced pediatric orthopedics who regularly perform steindler flexoroplasty and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 14 Years Experience
- Pediatric Orthopedics
Manipal Hospital Ghaziabad, Ghaziabad
- 23 Years Experience
- Pediatric Orthopedics
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 8 Years Experience
- Pediatric Orthopedics
Manipal Hospital Mukundapur, Kolkata