About Tendon Transfer in Arm
Key Highlights
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Restores critical arm and hand functions like grasping, lifting, and reaching.Can significantly improve a child's independence in daily activities and quality of life.Utilizes the body's own tissues (tendons), avoiding the need for artificial implants.Procedure is tailored to the child's specific anatomy and functional goals.Often prevents or delays the development of joint contractures and deformities.Performed by pediatric specialists experienced in growing musculoskeletal systems./ul
Who is this surgery for?
- Brachial Plexus Birth Palsy (Erb's Palsy) with persistent weakness.
- Cerebral Palsy affecting upper limb function (e.g., spastic hemiplegia).
- Traumatic nerve injuries in the arm that have not recovered.
- Certain congenital hand and arm anomalies.
- Muscle paralysis due to conditions like polio or spinal cord injuries.
- To improve specific functions like wrist extension, finger flexion, or thumb opposition.
How to prepare
- Comprehensive evaluation including physical exam, imaging (MRI/Ultrasound), and nerve conduction studies.
- Detailed discussion of surgical goals, expectations, and the rehabilitation process with the family.
- Pre-operative occupational therapy to assess baseline function and strength.
- Pre-anesthetic check-up to ensure the child is fit for surgery.
- Fasting as instructed by the anesthesiologist, typically 6-8 hours for solids.
- Arranging for post-surgery care and therapy sessions in advance.
Risks & possible complications
- General surgical risks: Infection, bleeding, or adverse reaction to anesthesia.
- Stiffness or reduced range of motion in the operated joint.
- Weakness or failure of the transferred tendon to function as intended.
- Over-correction or under-correction of the deformity.
- Nerve or blood vessel damage during surgery.
- Scar tissue formation (adhesions) limiting tendon glide.
- Need for additional procedures in the future.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Arm will be immobilized in a cast or splint for 3-6 weeks to protect the tendon transfer.
- Strict adherence to the surgeon's instructions on cast care and positioning.
- Initiation of supervised occupational/hand therapy soon after surgery to manage swelling and begin gentle mobilization.
- Gradual, therapist-guided exercises to retrain the transferred muscle and strengthen the arm.
- Protection of the arm from strenuous activity or sports for several months.
- Regular follow-up visits to monitor healing and adjust the therapy plan.
- Full integration of new muscle function can take 6 months to a year.
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Typical hospital stay: 2-3 days
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Expected recovery time: 3-6 months for functional recovery
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering tendon transfer in arm 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 tendon transfer in arm. 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 tendon transfer in arm compare across other countries where we have data.
Sophia Sharma is a bright and...
Sophia Sharma is a bright and artistic 8-year-old who loves drawing and playing the piano. She was born with a brachial plexus injury (Erb's Palsy) affecting her right arm, which occurred during a difficult delivery. While she had some movement, she has never been able to fully rotate her forearm to a 'palm-up' position (supination) or extend her wrist, making many everyday tasks a struggle. Holding a sheet of paper flat, using scissors, or properly positioning her hand on the piano keys was frustrating. Her pediatric orthopedist, Dr. Chen, recommended a tendon transfer procedure. He explained that they would reroute a working tendon from the back of her forearm to give her the ability to turn her palm up and lift her wrist. Sophia was nervous but excited by the idea of a 'helper tendon.' The surgery went smoothly. Afterward, her arm was in a cast for four weeks, followed by a removable splint. Recovery involved dedicated, playful therapy to 'teach' her brain how to use the transferred tendon. A year later, Sophia can now turn her hand to catch a ball, hold a book flat, and her piano teacher notes a marked improvement in her hand position. Emotionally, she moved from frustration and self-consciousness about her 'different' arm to a proud sense of accomplishment and newfound independence.
Pediatric Orthopedics for Tendon Transfer in Arm
Explore experienced pediatric orthopedics who regularly perform tendon transfer in arm 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