Learn about Tendon Transfer in Arm Treatment in India — how it works, who it is for, recovery timelines, and what to expect before and after surgery. Compare hospitals and doctors experienced in Tendon Transfer in Arm and request assistance for cost estimates or appointments.

About Tendon Transfer in Arm

Tendon transfer in the arm is a specialized surgical procedure performed by pediatric orthopedic surgeons to restore function and improve mobility in a child's upper limb. This intricate operation involves rerouting a healthy, functioning tendon from its original attachment to a new location to take over the work of a damaged or paralyzed muscle. Commonly used to address conditions like brachial plexus birth injuries, cerebral palsy, or traumatic nerve damage, the surgery aims to enhance hand grasp, elbow flexion, or wrist stability. The procedure is highly customized based on the child's specific functional deficit, age, and growth potential. Post-operative rehabilitation is critical for retraining the transferred muscle and achieving optimal outcomes, helping children gain greater independence in daily activities.

Key Highlights

    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.
  • checked Typical hospital stay: 2-3 days
  • checked 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.

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.

Country Estimated cost range Typical stay Recovery time View details
India INR 150 Thousand – 350 Thousand 2-3 days ~ 3-6 months for functional recovery Know More
Turkey TRY 525 Thousand – 1.23 Million 2-3 days ~ 3-6 months for functional recovery Know More
PATIENT REVIEW

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.

Dr. Neeraj Gupta
  • 14 Years Experience
  • Pediatric Orthopedics
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 700
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Ghaziabad, Ghaziabad

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Prashanth Inna
  • 23 Years Experience
  • Pediatric Orthopedics
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 850
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Abhishek Nandi
  • 8 Years Experience
  • Pediatric Orthopedics
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Mukundapur, Kolkata

OPD-desk synced • Updated