Sehnentransfers

Sehnentransfers, also known as tendon transfers or tendon shifts, are surgical procedures that reroute a healthy tendon to a new attachment point to restore or improve function in a limb. This technique is typically employed when a muscle or tendon is damaged, paralyzed, or absent due to injury, disease, or congenital conditions. The goal is to utilize the power of a functioning muscle to substitute for a weakened or non-functional one, thereby improving strength, range of motion, or stability.

The procedure involves carefully dissecting a healthy tendon and its associated muscle, then reattaching it to the bone where the damaged tendon was originally anchored or to a different site to achieve a desired movement. This requires precise anatomical knowledge and surgical skill to ensure the transferred tendon can effectively transmit force and produce the intended motion without compromising the function of the donor muscle. Post-operative rehabilitation, including physical therapy, is crucial for the success of a tendon transfer, allowing the transferred tendon to heal and the patient to regain strength and coordination.

Common applications for sehnentransfers include the treatment of conditions like polio, stroke, cerebral palsy, spinal cord injuries, and peripheral nerve injuries that result in muscle weakness or paralysis. They are frequently used in the hand, foot, and shoulder to restore grip, balance, or arm elevation. The choice of which tendon to transfer depends on the specific functional deficit and the availability of a suitable donor muscle with an appropriate line of pull. While sehnentransfers can significantly improve a patient's quality of life, the outcome is influenced by factors such as the patient's overall health, the extent of the underlying condition, and adherence to rehabilitation protocols.