Open AccessReanimating hand function after spinal cord injury using nerve transfer surgery
Author(s) -
Mary P. Galea,
Aurora Messina,
Bridget Hill,
Catherine A. Cooper,
Jodie Hahn,
Natasha van Zyl
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
advances in clinical neuroscience and rehabilitation
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2397-267X
pISSN - 1473-9348
DOI - 10.47795/cqzf2655
Subject(s) - medicine , surgery , tendon transfer , wrist , spinal cord injury , tendon , spinal cord , physical medicine and rehabilitation , psychiatry
Loss of arm and hand function is a devastating consequence of cervical spinal cord injury. Tendon transfer surgery has traditionally been used to restore key functions including elbow extension, wrist extension and grasp and pinch. The more recent development of nerve transfer surgery enables direct restoration of voluntary control of these functions. While both types of surgery are safe and effective, nerve transfer surgery results in a more open, flexible and natural hand, with more subtle control for a range of activities of daily living.