Who is tendon transfer surgery suitable for?

Tendon transfer surgery is intended for people who are dealing with:

Nerve damage: For example as a result of injury or compression, such as in peripheral nerve palsy.
Trauma: Damage to muscles and tendons from accidents or sports injuries.
Congenital abnormalities: In some people, certain muscles do not function from birth.
Chronic conditions: Such as polio or muscular dystrophy, which greatly reduce muscle strength.
Postoperative complications: After a previous operation in which nerves or muscles were damaged.

This operation is often used in functional areas such as the hand, wrist, foot or shoulder, where mobility is crucial for daily activities.

How does tendon transfer surgery work?

The procedure is about redistributing muscle strength in the body. The steps of the operation are as follows:

Identifying a healthy motor unit and tendon: The surgeon chooses a tendon from a muscle that can be spared without a major loss of function.
Releasing the tendon: The selected tendon is carefully released from its original attachment.
Repositioning: The tendon is moved to the new location. Close attention is paid to the correct tension, so that it can function properly.
Attaching at the new site: The tendon is firmly attached to the bones or other structures near the affected area.

The operation is often performed under general anaesthetic or regional anaesthesia, depending on the location and complexity of the procedure.

Benefits of tendon transfer surgery

Restored movement: Patients often experience a considerable improvement in mobility.
Long-lasting result: Because the procedure uses the body's own tissues, durability is high.
No external implants: This minimises the risk of rejection or infection.
Adaptable technique: The operation can be adapted to the specific needs of the patient.

Recovery after the operation

Immediate postoperative care

After the operation, the affected area is immobilised with a splint or brace to give the tendon time to heal firmly in place. The patient may experience mild pain and swelling for a few days to weeks, which is normal.

Rehabilitation and physiotherapy

Physiotherapy plays a crucial role in the recovery process. Patients learn how to make the best use of the new function of the transferred tendon. Exercises focus on:

Restoring strength and coordination.
Training the brain to understand the new function of the tendon.

Recovery time

Most patients resume light activities within 4 to 6 weeks. Full recovery, including maximum function, can however take 3 to 6 months, depending on the complexity of the procedure and the rehabilitation.

Possible complications

Although tendon transfer surgery is generally safe, some complications can occur:

Infection: As with any surgical procedure, there is a risk of infection.
Insufficient function: In some cases, the transferred tendon does not function as expected.
Tension on the tendon: Incorrect tension can lead to pain or limited movement.
Scar tissue: This can restrict movement if it forms around the tendon.

It is important to choose an experienced surgeon and to follow the postoperative guidelines carefully to minimise the risk of complications.

Please note: Kliniek het Bolwerk does not carry out this treatment

Tendon transfer surgery is a specialised surgical procedure performed in hospital. Kliniek het Bolwerk does not perform this treatment. We do think it is important that you are well informed about functional and reconstructive treatment options for loss of muscle or nerve function. That is why we share this information in our knowledge base.

When tendon transfer surgery is being considered, we refer you to a medical specialist in hospital, such as a hand surgeon, orthopaedic surgeon or plastic surgeon with expertise in reconstructive surgery.

Conclusion

Tendon transfer surgery offers an innovative solution for people with loss of muscle or nerve function. By using a healthy tendon, this procedure can not only restore movement but also improve quality of life. Combining surgical precision with rehabilitation means patients often achieve considerable functional gains. A consultation with a specialist is necessary to determine whether this procedure is the right choice.

Want to know more? Read more about trigger finger at Kliniek het Bolwerk.