Tendon Lengthening of Arm Treatment in India

Robert Williams, a 68-year-old retired electrician,...

Robert Williams, a 68-year-old retired electrician, had a stroke two years ago that left him with a spastic right arm. His wrist and fingers were clenched tightly into a fist, making basic tasks like washing his hand, putting on a shirt, or holding a coffee cup impossible. He felt frustrated and dependent on his wife for help with personal care. His orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Chen, explained that the stroke had caused his forearm muscles to become permanently tight, pulling his joints into a fixed position. She recommended a tendon lengthening procedure to release the tight muscles and restore a more functional, open hand position. Robert underwent the outpatient surgery, which involved small incisions to carefully lengthen several tendons in his forearm. The initial recovery in a splint was uncomfortable, but within weeks of starting hand therapy, he could finally open his hand. While his fine motor control is still limited, he can now wash his hand independently, shake hands, and hold objects with assistance. Emotionally, he moved from feeling like a burden to regaining a crucial piece of his dignity and autonomy, deeply grateful for the simple ability to offer an open hand.