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MUSCLE TRANSFER SURGERY

 

What is a tendon transfer surgery?

Tendon transfer surgery is a surgical procedure which involves the orthopaedic surgeon transferring a tendon from one location to another. A tendon is a strong, flexible fibrous collagen tissue which attaches muscles to the bones. Tendons and muscles help you move your joints in your wrists, hands, elbows, shoulders, ankles and knees.

The main goal of a tendon transfer surgery is to restore grasp, improve the position of the joint, and prevent deformity, dislocations and contractures. This procedure is often done on the ankle and foot.


When is a tendon transfer surgery recommended?

A common problem experienced by most people is the inability to lift up their foot; this condition is called foot drop. This may be caused by nerve or muscle damage due to stroke, injury or other diseases. This muscular weakness decreases movement and leads to a bent or twisted foot, making it difficult or painful to stand, walk or wear your shoes. These conditions may require tendon transfer surgery.

Other conditions may include a painful, flexible flatfoot which occurs when the posterior tibial tendon stretches and becomes nonfunctional or ruptures, causing the arch of your foot to drop.


What does a tendon transfer surgery entail?

Tendon transfer surgery is performed under general anaesthesia. Dr Chris Gräbe will make an incision in the area where there are working tendons and cut the tendon off at its normal insertion. He will then reroute it through the soft tissues of the foot and ankle and then connect the tendon to another bone in the foot. The tendon may be passed through a tunnel drilled through the targeted bone and sewn to itself. The tendon may also be passed through a tunnel in the bone and secured in place with screws or absorbable anchor. An anchor will be placed in the bone, and the tendon will be sewn to the anchor. The soft tissues will then be stitched closed, and splints will be placed in your foot to immobilize the area.


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