Triple transferencia tendinosa en la parálisis radial alta. A propósito de un caso / Triple tendinous transference in high radial paralysis. Apropos of a case

RESUMEN La parálisis del nervio radial producida por lesiones a nivel del brazo es considerada una parálisis alta, y se caracteriza por presentar la muñeca y los dedos flexionados y el pulgar en aducción con imposibilidad para la extensión de los mismos (muñeca y dedos). Todos los autores coinciden en que, para la extensión de la muñeca, el músculo de elección a transferir es el pronador redondo para el segundo radial. Sin embargo, hay diversidad de criterios sobre la utilización del palmar mayor o del cubital anterior para el extensor común de los dedos, y del palmar menor para el extensor largo del pulgar. Se presentó el caso de un paciente de 31 años de edad, con antecedente de accidente de tránsito y diagnóstico de parálisis radial alta de 18 meses de evolución, en el que se decide tratamiento quirúrgico utilizando el músculo cubital anterior después de una rehabilitación exitosa, obteniéndose excelentes resultados (AU).

ABSTRACT The radial nerve paralysis produced by lesions at the level of the arm is considered a high paralysis, and is characterized by presenting the wrist and fingers flexed and the thumb in adduction with impossibility of extending them (wrist and fingers). All consulted authors agree that, for wrist extension, the elective muscle to transfer is the round pronator for the second radial. However, there are different criteria on the use of the palmar major or anterior ulnar for the common finger extender, and the palmar minor for the long thumb extender. We presented the case of a 31-year-old patient, with a history of traffic accident and diagnosis of 18-month high radial paralysis, in which surgical treatment using the anterior ulnar muscle after a successful rehabilitation was decided, obtaining excellent results (AU).

Transferencias tendinosas en síndrome interóseo posterior evolucionado. Análisis de un caso y revisión bibliográfica / Tendon transfer in advanced posterior interosseous nerve syndrome. Case report and bibliographic review

El síndrome interóseo posterior es una neuropatía compresiva poco frecuente, de etiología variable, dentro de la que se reconocen causas tumorales, inflamatorias, alteraciones anatómicas como la hipertrofia de la arcada de Frohse, luxaciones radiocubitales e idiópática. El tratamiento quirúrgico mediante neurolisis tiene altas tasas de éxito con remisión de la sintomatología, siendo poco frecuente la necesidad de realización de transferencia tendinosa. Revisamos la bibliografía de los últimos 15 años, encontrando solo 4 artículos que comentan las trasferencias tendinosas. Presentamos un caso de síndrome interóseo posterior severo y evolucionado en el que se realiza neurolisis y transferencias tendinosas en el mismo acto, con buenos resultados

Posterior interosseous syndrome is a rare compressive neuropathy, with variable etiology, such as tumors, inflammatory disease, anatomical alterations, hypertrophy of Frohse arcade, radiocubital dislocations and idiopathic. Surgical treatment has high rates of success in symptom remission. Need of performing tendon transfer is rare. We carried out review of bibliography of last 15 years, finding only 4 publications in this regard. In this paper we present a clinical case of sever and evolved posterior interosseous syndrome in whom neurolisis and tendon transfer were performed in the same act; acceptable outcomes were obtained

Post-operative rehabilitation in a traumatic rare radial nerve palsy managed with tendon transfers: a case report.

Radial nerve is a frequently injured nerve. Radial nerve palsy result from direct trauma, neuropathies, and fracture over the humerus, malignant tumor and neuritis. A case of 26-year male is presented in this report who had a road traffic accident resulting in injury over the right shoulder, wrist joint and diagnosed of radial nerve palsy, consequently was operated with soft tissue reconstruction with tendon transfers which resulted into pain over wrist joint and loss of extensors muscle function of the wrist joint, which led to difficulty in performing activities of daily living. Surgical history and rehabilitation is mentioned in the case report. We report that there were significant improvements in muscle strength, range of motion, relief from pain, and exceptional improvements in the patient´s functional independence with physiotherapy interventions post-operative tendon transfers.

Functional outcomes of tendon transfer for brachial plexus birth palsy using the Hoffer technique.

AIMS: To describe and analyze the mid-term functional outcomes of a large series of patients who underwent the Hoffer procedure for brachial plexus birth palsy (BPBP). METHODS: All patients who underwent the Hoffer procedure with minimum two-year follow-up were retrospectively reviewed. Active shoulder range of movement (ROM), aggregate modified Mallet classification scores, Hospital for Sick Children Active Movement Scale (AMS) scores, and/or Toronto Test Scores were used to assess functional outcomes. Subgroup analysis based on age and level of injury was performed. Risk factors for subsequent humeral derotational osteotomy and other complications were also assessed. A total of 107 patients, average age 3.9 years (1.6 to 13) and 59% female, were included in the study with mean 68 months (24 to 194) follow-up. RESULTS: All patients demonstrated statistically significant improvement in all functional outcomes and active shoulder abduction and external rotation ROM (p < 0.001). Patients < 2.5 years of age had higher postoperative AMS, abduction ROM and strength scores, and aggregate postoperative Toronto scores (p ≤ 0.035) compared to patients ≥ 2.5 years old. There were 17 patients (16%) who required a subsequent humeral derotational osteotomy; lower preoperative AMS external rotation scores and external rotation ROM were predictive risk factors (p ≤ 0.016). CONCLUSION: Patients with BPBP who underwent the Hoffer procedure demonstrated significant improvement in postoperative ROM, strength, and functional outcome scores at mid-term follow-up. Patients younger than 2.5 years at the time of surgery generally had better functional outcomes. Limited preoperative external rotation strength and ROM were significantly associated with requirement for subsequent humeral derotational osteotomy. In our chort significant improvements in shoulder function were obtained after the Hoffer procedure for BPBP. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(2):246-253.

Management of large peripheral nerve defects with autografting.

INTRODUCTION: A segmental nerve defect from trauma results in significant loss of function of the extremity, and rarely occurs in isolation. Autografting of the nerve defect is the current gold standard. METHODS: A review of the recent literature regarding peripheral nerve defects after trauma treated with autograft. RESULTS: Identification of the zone of nerve injury is difficult and appropriate resection is critical for good outcomes. Meaningful recovery is more likely with application of excellent technique. Many of the factors affecting outcomes are not modifiable. CONCLUSION: Nerve grafting for segmental nerve injuries continues to be an essential and appropriate treatment.

Suture constructs for rehabilitation using early active motion after tendon transfer surgery.

The purpose of this study was to better define an ideal tendon transfer suture construct to allow for early active range of motion. A side-to-side tendon construct was used to test suture technique (cross stich vs. Krackow stitch), number of suture throws, and calibre of suture. A minimum load to failure of 100 N was used to comfortably allow early motion while minimizing rupture risk. All constructs tested, except the 4-0 Krackow construct, were strong enough to withstand 100 N of load. The choice of suture should be based on surgeon preference, patient compliance, and specific surgery, and 3-0 non-absorbable suture may be more suitable for tendon transfers from a yield force standpoint.

The scope of upper limb surgery for tetraplegics: Role of tendon transfers and Universal Cuff.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of tendon transfers and universal cuff in restoring hand function in tetraplegic patients. METHODS: Twenty-one upper limbs on 12 tetraplegic patients (9 males and 3 females); mean age: 42.2 years (range 22-58 years) with a spinal cord injury at or distal to C6, were included in this study. Key pinch was restored using Brachioradialis to Flexor Pollicis Longus transfer and hook using Pronator Teres to Flexor Digitorum Profundus transfer. The gains achieved were measured objectively at six months and at final follow up, the average follow up being 26 months. The functional outcome was assessed using the Modified Lamb and Chan score. RESULTS: Average value was 1.67 kg for key pinch and 2.58 kg for hook grip at final follow up. The Modified Lamb and Chan score revealed good to fair outcome in 75% of patients. Complications resulted from stretching of transfer and mal-tensioning and were salvaged by the use of a 'Universal Cuff'. CONCLUSION: Surgery should be routinely offered to tetraplegic patients with deficient hand function in whom no recovery is expected after six months following spinal cord injury. Universal Cuff is a good salvage method for patients who refuse re-surgery. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, Therapeutic study.

Simultaneous Stiles-Bunnell Tendon Transfer Enhances Intrinsic Function of Second-Toe Transplantations.

Claw finger is a sequela of fingers without intrinsic function. Claw toe deformity is common after toe transfer, as simultaneous intrinsic reconstruction has yet to be reported in the literature. The authors present their experience of simultaneous tendon transfer during second-toe transplantation. Seven second-toe transfers were performed in five metacarpal-like and metacarpal hands. The Stiles-Bunnell tendon transfer was incorporated into toe transfers. Toe lumbrical tendons were repaired to the flexor digitorum sublimis of the same recipient digit. The active motion values of the proximal interphalangeal joint were 61 ± 9.5 degrees and 36 ± 6.4 degrees in the middle and ring fingers, respectively. The extension lag overall was 19.9 ± 9.9 degrees. The transferred toe proximal interphalangeal joints had minimal extensor lag with the metacarpophalangeal joint in flexion position. The flexion sweep of the toe was improved by the intrinsic reconstruction. The patients were able to use the transferred toes for sophisticated daily activities. From the results seen, simultaneous intrinsic reconstruction appears to enhance the dexterity and thus function of transferred toes. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, IV.

Transfer of the lesser tuberosity for reverse Hill-Sachs lesions after neglected posterior dislocations of the shoulder: A retrospective clinical study of 13 cases.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to present middle-term functional and radiological outcomes of the transfer of the lesser tuberosity in the management of reverse Hill-Sachs lesions following posterior dislocations of the shoulder. PATIENTS AND METHODS: With a diagnosis of neglected posterior shoulder dislocation (8 locked, 5 recurrent), 13 male patients (age range: 28-72; mean age: 39.3 years) who underwent the transfer of the lesser tuberosity due to reverse Hill-Sachs lesions, were retrospectively reviewed based on functional and radiological data. The etiologies were: epilepsy in 9 patients, a traffic accident in 2 patients, and fall in 2 patients. To assess the patients' functional level, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) and Constant Scores were used, and the patients' range of motion at the last follow-up was measured. To evaluate the development of arthrosis, the final follow-up control plain radiographs were examined. The average size of the defects calculated from the axial computed tomography sets was 27% (range: 20%-40%). RESULTS: The average length of follow-up was 30 months (range: 12-67 months). At the last follow-up visit, the main ASES and Constant Scores were 78 and 85, respectively, and the average degrees of flexion, abduction, and external rotation were 163°, 151°, and 70° respectively. The concentric reduction was observed postoperatively. CONCLUSION: McLaughlin procedure appears to be a safe and effective method in the treatment of neglected posterior shoulder dislocations with reverse Hill-Sachs lesion. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, Therapeutic study.

Effectiveness of Occupational Therapy Interventions for Adults With Musculoskeletal Conditions of the Forearm, Wrist, and Hand: A Systematic Review.

Occupational therapy practitioners are key health care providers for people with musculoskeletal disorders of the distal upper extremity. It is imperative that practitioners understand the most effective and efficient means for remediating impairments and supporting clients in progressing to independence in purposeful occupations. This systematic review provides an update to a previous review by summarizing articles published between 2006 and July 2014 related to the focused question, What is the evidence for the effect of occupational therapy interventions on functional outcomes for adults with musculoskeletal disorders of the forearm, wrist, and hand? A total of 59 articles were reviewed. Evidence for interventions was synthesized by condition within bone, joint, and general hand disorders; peripheral nerve disorders; and tendon disorders. The strongest evidence supports postsurgical early active motion protocols and splinting for various conditions. Very few studies have examined occupation-based interventions. Implications for occupational therapy practice and research are provided.

Postoperative Physical Therapy Management of Tendon Transfer for Digital/Wrist Extension Due to Multifocal Motor Neuropathy.

Study Design Case report. Background Multifocal motor neuropathy is a progressive motor nerve disorder characterized by muscle weakness in the extremities. Muscle imbalance and weakness can become so severe that the involved extremity can be rendered nonfunctional. The purpose of this case report is to describe the physical therapy postoperative management of a patient who underwent a multiple tendon transfer to correct the loss of digital/wrist extension of the right upper extremity. Case Description A 38-year-old woman with a medical diagnosis of multifocal motor neuropathy, which caused muscle imbalance and weakness in the right hand, underwent a multiple tendon transfer to correct the loss of digit and wrist extension. The pronator teres was transferred and attached to the extensor carpi radialis longus and brevis. The palmaris longus was transferred and attached to the extensor pollicis longus. The flexor carpi radialis was transferred and attached to the extensor digitorum communis. The patient underwent static and dynamic splinting and a modified tendon transfer protocol starting at 3 weeks and ending at 16 weeks postsurgery. The patient attended therapy 1 to 3 times a week, depending on protocol stage and need for skilled therapy intervention. Outcomes Patient-reported outcome measures included the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) survey to monitor the return of function and the numeric pain-rating scale to assess pain. At the initial evaluation (3 weeks postsurgery), the patient's DASH score was 87.5 and her pain score was 7/10. At discharge (16 weeks postsurgery), the patient's DASH score was 37.5 and her pain score was 0/10. Strength impairment was monitored with hydraulic hand dynamometers and manual muscle testing. At discharge, her hand grip strength was 4.5 kg, her key pinch strength was 4.1 kg, and her 3-jaw pinch strength was 2.3 kg. Manual muscle testing grades were 5/5 for elbow extension/flexion, 4/5 for forearm pronation/supination, 2/5 for wrist extension, 1/5 for wrist radial deviation, 4-/5 for wrist ulnar deviation, 3/5 for extension from digits 2 through 4, 3+/5 for thumb extension, 5/5 for wrist flexion, and 5/5 for flexion from digits 1 through 5. At 1 year postsurgery, the DASH survey was sent to the patient for completion, at which time she reported a DASH score of 24.17. Conclusion This case demonstrated good outcomes for a patient who underwent a multiple tendon transfer to correct digital/wrist extension loss caused by multifocal motor neuropathy. This report provides guidance on the postoperative management of a fairly rare neurological disorder with an established orthopaedic surgery. Level of Evidence Therapy, level 5. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2016;46(12):1071-1079. Epub 30 Oct 2016. doi:10.2519/jospt.2016.6707.

Early Active Rehabilitation After Grip Reconstructive Surgery in Tetraplegia.

OBJECTIVE: To describe and evaluate the concept of early active rehabilitation after tendon transfer to restore grip function in tetraplegia. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. SETTING: Two nonprofit rehabilitation units in Sweden and Switzerland. PARTICIPANTS: All patients with tetraplegia who underwent tendon transfer to restore grip ability during 2009 to 2013 (N=49). INTERVENTION: Reconstructive tendon transfer surgery with early active rehabilitation to restore grip ability in tetraplegia. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Grip and pinch strength, grip ability test, and outcome of prioritized activities. RESULTS: In the 49 surgeries performed, postoperative complications included 2 patients with bleeding and 2 infections related to the surgery. There were no reported ruptures or lengthening of transferred tendons. Within 24 hours after surgery, all 47 patients (100%) with finger flexion reconstruction succeeded to activate their finger flexion. All but 1 patient with reconstructed thumb flexion sucessfully activated their thumb flexion (n=40). Three weeks after surgery, all patients (100%) were able to perform basic activities of daily living, and instrumental activities of daily living were achieved by 74%. One year after surgery, the maximum grip strength in restored finger flexion was on average 6.9kg (range, 1.5-15kg; n=29). The maximum pinch strength in restored thumb flexion was on average 3.7kg (range, 1-20; n=29). On average, grip ability improved from 33 to 101 (n=19) according to the COPM. Prioritized activity limitations, as measured with the COPM, equated to an average of 3.5 steps (2.5 steps preoperatively to 6 steps postoperatively). Patients' perceived satisfaction with this improvement was 4 steps (increasing from 2 steps preoperatively to 6 steps postoperatively). CONCLUSIONS: Grip reconstructive surgery followed by early active rehabilitation can be considered a reliable procedure that leads to substantial improvements in grip and pinch strength and activity performance among patients with tetraplegia.

Multicenter Survey of the Effects of Rehabilitation Practices on Pinch Force Strength After Tendon Transfer to Restore Pinch in Tetraplegia.

OBJECTIVE: To identify key components of conventional therapy after brachioradialis (BR) to flexor pollicis longus (FPL) transfer, a common procedure to restore pinch strength, and evaluate whether any of the key components of therapy were associated with pinch strength outcomes. DESIGN: Rehabilitation protocols were surveyed in 7 spinal cord injury (SCI) centers after BR to FPL tendon transfer. Key components of therapy, including duration of immobilization, participation, and date of initiating therapy activities (mobilization, strengthening, muscle reeducation, functional activities, and home exercise), were recorded by the patient's therapist. Pinch outcomes were recorded with identical equipment at 1-year follow-up. SETTING: Seven SCI rehabilitation centers where the BR to FPL surgery is performed on a routine basis. PARTICIPANTS: Thirty-eight arms from individuals with C5-7 level SCI injury who underwent BR to FPL transfer surgery (N=34). INTERVENTION: Conventional therapy according to established protocol in each center. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The frequency of specific activities and their time of initiation (relative to surgery) were expressed as means and 95% confidence intervals. Outcome measures included pinch strength and the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM). Spearman rank-order correlations determined significant relations between pinch strength and components of therapy. RESULTS: There was similarity in the key components of therapy and in the progression of activities. Early cast removal was associated with pinch force (Spearman ρ=-.40, P=.0269). Pinch force was associated with improved COPM performance (Spearman ρ=.48, P=.0048) and satisfaction (Spearman ρ=.45, P=.0083) scores. CONCLUSIONS: Initiating therapy early after surgery is beneficial after BR to FPL surgery. Postoperative therapy protocols have the potential to significantly influence the outcome of tendon transfers after tetraplegia.

Rehabilitation After Posterior Deltoid to Triceps Transfer in Tetraplegia.

OBJECTIVE: To describe and evaluate the rehabilitation concept after posterior deltoid to triceps transfer in patients with tetraplegia. DESIGN: Retrospective observational study. SETTING: Rehabilitation units. PARTICIPANTS: Patients with tetraplegia who had posterior deltoid to triceps tendon transfer and had muscle strength measurements 1 year postsurgery from 2009 to 2013 (N=44). INTERVENTIONS: Posterior deltoid to triceps tendon transfer to restore elbow extension and postoperative rehabilitation. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Elbow extension range of motion and muscle strength and the modified Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM). RESULTS: Surgery was performed on 53 arms. No major complications (eg tendon rupture, lengthening) were reported. Muscle strength measured 1 year after surgery was on average grade 3 (out of 5) in the 53 operated arms. The ability to extend the elbow against gravity was achieved in 62% of the arms (muscle strength of grade ≥3). In patients with a preoperative elbow extension deficit (n=14), the deficit was reduced on average from 16° to 9°. The performance of the prioritized activities as measured with the COPM improved on average 2.6 scale steps, from 3.3 to 5.9. Satisfaction with the performance improved on average 3.2 scale steps, from 2.8 to 6.0. CONCLUSIONS: The posterior deltoid to triceps tendon transfer with the applied rehabilitation protocol is a safe and effective procedure. There were no tendon ruptures, and all patients were able to complete the rehabilitation protocol. The shorter restriction time after surgery allows the patient to be independent at an earlier stage of the rehabilitation and reduces hospitalization or care burden.

Rehabilitation After Spasticity-Correcting Upper Limb Surgery in Tetraplegia.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the early active rehabilitation concept developed for spasticity-correcting surgery in tetraplegia and to report the outcomes in grip ability and change of performance and satisfaction in patients' prioritized activities 1 year postoperatively. DESIGN: Retrospective case-control study. SETTING: Nonprofit rehabilitation unit. PARTICIPANTS: All patients who underwent surgeries for correction of spasticity in tetraplegic hands between 2009 and 2013 in the studied unit (N=37). INTERVENTIONS: Spasticity-correcting upper limb surgery with early active rehabilitation to restore grip ability in tetraplegia. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Grasp and release test (GRT) and modified Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM). RESULTS: All patients could accomplish the early active rehabilitation concept. The complication rate related to the treatment was low. Compared with preoperatively, all evaluated individuals experienced improvements in grasp ability and activity performance and satisfaction at 1-year follow-up. The performance in prioritized activities, as measured by the COPM, improved by 2.6 scale steps. Satisfaction with performance improved 3.0 scale steps postoperatively (n=21). The grasp ability, measured by the GRT, improved significantly, from 80 preoperatively to 111 (n=10). CONCLUSIONS: The surgery, combined with the early active rehabilitation protocol, is a reliable and safe procedure. The ability to use the hand improved, and gains were maintained at least 1 year after surgery in all patients with respect to both the objective grasp ability and patients' subjective rating of their performance and satisfaction in their prioritized activities. The procedure should therefore be considered as an adjunct to other treatments of upper limb spasticity in spinal cord injury.

Evaluation of a Task-Based Intervention After Tendon Transfer to Restore Lateral Pinch.

OBJECTIVE: To quantify changes in pinch force and brachioradialis (BR) activation after a task-based training program designed to improve pinch force after BR to flexor pollicis longus (FPL) transfer. DESIGN: One-group repeated-measures design compared pinch force and BR activation pre- and posttraining. Significant differences were tested with Wilcoxon signed-rank tests for pairwise comparisons at the P≤.05 level. SETTING: Testing occurred in a Veterans Affairs Medical Center research laboratory and training was in a home setting. PARTICIPANTS: Participants with cervical spinal cord injury (SCI) and previous BR to FPL transfer were enrolled in the study (N=8). Six patients completed the training program and posttraining measures. INTERVENTIONS: The 10-week training was a home program that included novel activities to increase BR activation and practice producing pinch force in a variety of upper limb postures. Participants were provided with the task-based training equipment and instructed to practice 3 times per week. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Fine-wire electromyography of the transferred BR was recorded in maximum effort pinch force (N). Secondary measures included the strength and activation of the antagonist elbow extensor. RESULTS: Pinch force increased 3.7N (.38kg) and BR muscle activation increased 10% (P≤.05) after the training. There was no increase in elbow extension strength, but participants with previous posterior deltoid to triceps transfer achieved greater activation of the antagonist elbow extensor. CONCLUSIONS: The findings from this pilot study suggest that outcomes of tendon transfer and conventional therapy can be improved for patients with chronic cervical SCI.

Role of Functional Electrical Stimulation in Tetraplegia Hand Surgery.

The use of functional electrical stimulation (FES) to improve upper limb function is an established method in the rehabilitation of persons with tetraplegia after spinal cord injury. Surgical reconstruction is another well-established yet underused technique to improve the performance of the upper extremities. Hand surgery plays an essential role in restoring hand function, mobility, and quality of life in the tetraplegic population. The knowledge about the effects of FES on a structural and functional level is fundamental for understanding how and when FES can be used best to support the effect of hand surgery, both pre- and postoperatively. In this article we discuss principles of FES and how FES improves functional outcome after surgical reconstruction. The reported results are based on preliminary clinical observations.

Tendon Transfer Surgery for People With Tetraplegia: An Overview.

After cervical spinal cord injury, the loss of upper limb function is common. This affects an individual's ability to perform activities of daily living and participate in previous life roles. There are surgical procedures that can restore some of the upper limb function lost after cervical spinal cord injury. Tendon transfer surgery has been performed in the tetraplegic population since the early 1970s. The goals of surgery are to provide a person with tetraplegia with active elbow extension, wrist extension (if absent), and sufficient pinch and/or grip strength to perform activities of daily living without the need for adaptive equipment or orthoses. These procedures are suitable for a specific group, usually with spinal cord impairment of C4-8, with explicit components of motor and sensory loss. Comprehensive team assessments of current functioning, environment, and personal circumstances are important to ensure success of any procedure. Rehabilitation after tendon transfer surgery involves immobilization for tendon healing followed by specific, targeted therapy based on motor learning and goal-orientated training. Outcomes of tendon transfer surgery are not limited to the improvements in an individual's strength, function, and performance of activities but have much greater life affects, especially with regard to well-being, employment, and participation. This article will provide an overview of the aims of surgery, preoperative assessment, common procedures, postoperative rehabilitation strategies, and outcomes based on clinical experience and international published literature.

Understanding and Overcoming Barriers to Upper Limb Surgical Reconstruction After Tetraplegia: The Need for Interdisciplinary Collaboration.

There are approximately 300,000 persons with spinal cord injury living in the United States, and nearly 60% of these persons have suffered tetraplegia with resultant alterations in body function, activity, and therefore participation. Restoring hand function can improve independence, and various studies have shown that persons with tetraplegia rate restoration of arm and hand function higher than bowel and bladder control, walking, or sexuality. There are conservative options to improve upper limb function in this population (eg, orthoses, neuroprostheses). Surgical interventions are also available, and 70% of surgical patients report satisfaction and improvement in various activities of daily living after surgery to restore arm and hand function. Despite these positive surgical outcomes, <10% of the eligible population of 60% to 70% undergo tendon transfer surgery to restore function. Underutilization of surgical interventions can be explained by population-, provider-, and health care systems-specific barriers. With further education of providers and patients and team building across disciplines these barriers can be overcome, ultimately leading to reduced disability and improved quality of life for persons with tetraplegia.

Decision-Making About Upper Limb Tendon Transfer Surgery by People With Tetraplegia for More Than 10 Years.

OBJECTIVES: To quantify time from spinal cord injury to upper limb reconstructive surgery for individuals with tetraplegia; to explore influences on decision-making about surgery for persons with long-standing (>10y) tetraplegia; and to determine the applicability of our previously developed conceptual framework that described the decision-making processes for people with tetraplegia of <5 years. DESIGN: Quantitative-qualitative mixed-methods study. SETTING: Community based in New Zealand. PARTICIPANTS: People (N=9) living with tetraplegia for >10 years. INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: An audit of time frames between injury, assessment, and surgery for people with tetraplegia was undertaken. Interviews of people with tetraplegia were analyzed using constructivist grounded theory. RESULTS: Sixty-two percent of people with tetraplegia assessed for surgery had upper limb reconstructive surgery. Most were assessed within the first 3 years of spinal cord injury. Over half had surgery within 4 years after injury; however, 20% waited >10 years. Changes in prioritized activities, and the identification of tasks possible with surgery, were influential in the decision-making process. Participants were aware of surgery, but required a reoffer from health professionals before proceeding. The influence of peers was prominent in reinforcing the improvement in prioritized activities possible after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Findings confirmed that the previously developed conceptual framework for decision-making about upper limb reconstructive surgery was applicable for people with tetraplegia of >10 years. Similarities were seen in the influence of goals and priorities (although the nature of these might change) and information from peers (although this influence was greater for those injured longer). Repeat offers for surgery were required to allow for changes in circumstances over time.