tendon transfers and arm generally updates

[admin]

I've had 2 different tendon transfers. I had very little movement in my hand or fingers. My thumb laid flat next to my forefinger. 13 months after my injury (dislocation fracture of the humerus, and bpi) i had my 1st tendon transfer. They took the tendon out of my forefinger, routed it through the top of my hand, through my palm and attached it to my thumb. This was to try and give me a pinch grasp. It was successful, the only drawback is, the tendon they took out of my finger is the one that lifts your finger. I am unable to lift my forefinger at all. The 2nd surgery I had, they took a tendon out of my leg. They split the tendon into 4 parts. Attached it to a tendon in my forearm and then attached each piece to one of my fingers. So when I want to move my fingers, my brain was retrained to fire the tendon in my forearm, instead of the way you normally do it. The brain retraining was nothing to it, your brain just takes over and does it. I had two incisions on my leg, incisions between each finger and about a 5 inch incision across the top of my hand into my forearm. I could not be happier with this surgery. My grip strenth before surgery was 12-15. My grip strength now is around 45. The 3rd surgery I had was called a Zancolli lasso. They rerouted the tendons in my fingers (on the palm side) and have them where they do not straighten out but remain bent at the knuckles, again to give me grip strength. I am very happy with the results. I will never have fine motor skills again in my hand, but it is so much better than it was before. I still type (one-handed now though) and I tinkle on the piano (one-handed also). All 3 surgeries were done in a 7 month period. Total time in a cast was 8 weeks and OT about 3 times a week for the time period. Again, I am very happy with the results.

Good luck with your decision

KaTHY