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...

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Main Authors: Mukul Mohindra, Paritosh Gogna, Sukhbir Singh Sangwan, Sahil Gaba, Zile Singh Kundu
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: AVES 2017-10-01
Series:Acta Orthopaedica et Traumatologica Turcica
Online Access:http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1017995X17303759
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author Mukul Mohindra
Paritosh Gogna
Sukhbir Singh Sangwan
Sahil Gaba
Zile Singh Kundu
author_facet Mukul Mohindra
Paritosh Gogna
Sukhbir Singh Sangwan
Sahil Gaba
Zile Singh Kundu
author_sort Mukul Mohindra
collection DOAJ
description 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. Keywords: Tendon transfers in tetraplegia, Spinal cord injury, Universal Cuff, Lamb and Chan score
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spelling doaj-art-7fe5a23f5e8d4f5f8d3d5a5769f33ed92025-08-02T12:15:44ZengAVESActa Orthopaedica et Traumatologica Turcica1017-995X2017-10-01515367371The scope of upper limb surgery for tetraplegics: Role of tendon transfers and Universal CuffMukul Mohindra0Paritosh Gogna1Sukhbir Singh Sangwan2Sahil Gaba3Zile Singh Kundu4Pt. B.D Sharma Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Rohtak, Haryana, IndiaCorresponding author.; Pt. B.D Sharma Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Rohtak, Haryana, IndiaPt. B.D Sharma Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Rohtak, Haryana, IndiaPt. B.D Sharma Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Rohtak, Haryana, IndiaPt. B.D Sharma Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Rohtak, Haryana, IndiaObjective: 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. Keywords: Tendon transfers in tetraplegia, Spinal cord injury, Universal Cuff, Lamb and Chan scorehttp://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1017995X17303759
spellingShingle Mukul Mohindra
Paritosh Gogna
Sukhbir Singh Sangwan
Sahil Gaba
Zile Singh Kundu
The scope of upper limb surgery for tetraplegics: Role of tendon transfers and Universal Cuff
Acta Orthopaedica et Traumatologica Turcica
title The scope of upper limb surgery for tetraplegics: Role of tendon transfers and Universal Cuff
title_full The scope of upper limb surgery for tetraplegics: Role of tendon transfers and Universal Cuff
title_fullStr The scope of upper limb surgery for tetraplegics: Role of tendon transfers and Universal Cuff
title_full_unstemmed The scope of upper limb surgery for tetraplegics: Role of tendon transfers and Universal Cuff
title_short The scope of upper limb surgery for tetraplegics: Role of tendon transfers and Universal Cuff
title_sort scope of upper limb surgery for tetraplegics role of tendon transfers and universal cuff
url http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1017995X17303759
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