What are the principles of tendon transfer?

They are 1) supple joints prior to transfer, 2) soft tissue equilibrium, 3) donor of adequate excursion, 4) donor of adequate strength, 5) expendable donor, 6) straight line of pull, 7) synergy, and 8) single function per transfer.

What is FCR tendon transfer?

CONCLUSION. Forearm tendon transfer is a relevant method to compensate for the loss of function of the wrist, fingers and thumb extensions as a result of irreparable damage to the radial nerve. FCR tendon transfer provides better functional results than FCU tendon transfer in irreparable radial nerve damage.

Is a tendon transfer a graft?

Introduction. Tendon transfer is the surgical transplantation of a normal muscle–tendon unit (MTU) into a new location to restore function of a nonfunctioning MTU. This may be distinguished from a tendon graft, as in tendon transfer the donor tendon remains connected to its native muscle.

How do you code a tendon transfer?

Answer: You will only report 26498 for each tendon for all 4 fingers. Remember the code applies to transfer of tendon in all four fingers and cutting and suturing of tendons are intrinsic to the transfer. However, on the thumb, your surgeon was doing a lengthening of the tendon. So for the thumb you report 25280 only.

What are tendons?

A tendon is a fibrous connective tissue that attaches muscle to bone. Tendons may also attach muscles to structures such as the eyeball. A tendon serves to move the bone or structure.

What is EPL tendon?

The long extensor tendon to the thumb is called the Extensor Pollicis Longus (EPL). This tendon straightens the end joint of the thumb and also helps pull the thumb in towards the index finger. The tendon runs around a bony prominence on the back of the wrist called Lister’s tubercle.

Are tendon transfers successful?

There are three requirements for tendon transfers to be successful: The muscle that the tendon is attached to has to be functional. It must contract at the proper time during walking. The soft tissue through which the tendon is to be transferred needs to be as normal as possible.

How long is tendon transfer surgery?

The wound will be closed with stitches and a rigid splint (a support to protect your hand) made of plaster will usually be fitted to stop you moving your hand and damaging the repaired tendons. If nothing else has been damaged, extensor tendon repair surgery can take around 30 minutes to complete.

What is tenolysis procedure?

Flexor tenolysis is a surgical procedure used to remove adhesions that inhibit active flexion of digits. Candidates for this procedure typically present with decreased active range of motion (ROM) after surgical repair of flexor tendons.

What is a tendon transfer procedure?

Definition A tendon transfer procedure relocates the insertion of a functioning muscle-tendon unit (MTU) in order to restore lost movement and function at another site. History The polio epidemics that occurred in 19thcentury Europe contributed to the development of tendon transfer procedures.

When are tendon transfers indicated in the treatment of peripheral nerve injuries?

In addition, tendon transfer procedures are often indicated when peripheral nerve injuries present so late that muscle reinnervation is impossible due to motor end-plate fibrosis.

What are the non-operative options for tendon transfer?

These include non-operative modalities such as static and dynamic splinting, or operations such as tendon grafting, tenodesis, arthrodesis, nerve transfer, and free functional muscle transfer. The role of these other treatment options should be carefully evaluated in all potential tendon transfer candidates. Principles of Tendon Transfer Procedures

Does the tendon transfer juncture get lengthened postoperative?

The tendon transfer juncture tends to relax and lengthen postoperatively, and a transfer that is set with inadequate tension will not improve with time. Radial Nerve Palsy