Can someone give me their opinion/experience with a tendon transfer for ...

[diargasm]

the wrist and fingers. My doctor told me that it is my decision for when I should have this operation. I have finger and wrist flexion. I've heard only good things about this operation, and I am wondering if there is something else I need to know beforehand.

[karlos]

Not realy much to say other than this was truley an amazing operation.
you do need quite good strength in your grip to beginwith.
After op in pot 2 weeks upto fore arm

pot comes off and a wrist splint is made which you wear 6 week (keeps your tendons tight)

then thats done away with and the phisio begins (which is bloody hard)

Whithin 2mth youll be able to bend your wrist and extend your fingers

After 12 mth you can use your hand with out thinking and the improvements/benafits are quite amazing

result 10/10

[diargasm]

That sounds great. So after a year or so it functions like a normal hand?

Also, I think I've asked you this before, but can you type with 2 hands now? Do you know which muscles are needed to be able to do it?

[EllenB]

Andre,

I can't remember how many bpi nerves you had avulsed. John lost all 5 & had two tendon transfers (the gracilis tendon/muscles from his legs).

The 2nd was for wrist extension & finger movement & he was able to show muscle response by about the 5th month. But I wanted to be clear with you that his thumb & fingers move as one unit - i.e. he doesn't have individual finger movement. When he goes to grip, the thumb & fingers pull together into a grip.

Keep us posted on your progress!

Ellen

[diargasm]

I think my doctors are going to be able to the operation so that my thumb is seperate from the wrest of my fingers.

Since I am able to flex my fingers, would that allow me to stick a single finger out?

[EllenB]

Andre, you are so BAD!!!!

Ellen

[stx431]

Ellen,
How long ago did John have his gracilis muscle transfer? Hopefully it's continuing to heal. Why I ask is my wife Carrie gets to make a decision very soon as to have that procedure done and we're trying to talk to as many people as we can about the common long term results. We go see Dr Nath on the 17th when he'll probably give his thoughts and recommendations then on that fix. Email me if you'd like at dcranch431@yahoo.com.

Till next time, Dick

[EllenB]

Hi Dick,

I'll be sending you an email. Thanks -

Ellen

[diargasm]

Karlos, are you able to keep some fingers bent, while extending the others? I just want to know because I still play videogames with my friends and I'd want to know about it before my surgery. btw i'm having my final (hopefully) in december.

[karlos]

yes you can still keep some fingers bent