What is Tendon Transfer?
Tendons refer to fibrous tissues that connect muscle to bone and help control the force of movement. Any injury or neurological condition, including rheumatoid arthritis, cerebral palsy, or any traumatic brain injury, may impact the nerve signalling, resulting in the tendon's inability to work with the muscle. In such cases, doctors perform tendon transfer.
Tendon transfer surgery in Delhi is a type of hand surgery performed to improve lost hand function. A functioning tendon is shifted from its original attachment to a new one. This procedure restores the lost action and improves the patient's quality of life.
When is Tendon Transfer needed?
You may need a tendon transfer in different cases.
- This surgery is necessary when a certain muscle function is lost due to nerve injury. Some common injuries include spinal cord injury, radial nerve injury, ulnar nerve injury, and median nerve injury.
- The surgery may be necessary when a muscle has ruptured or been lacerated and cannot be repaired. These muscle injuries include injuries caused by fractures or rheumatoid arthritis.
- Tendon transfer surgery becomes essential when a muscle function has been lost due to a disorder of the nervous system. In such a situation, the nervous system disease or injury prevents normal nerve signals from being sent to the muscle, causing an imbalance in hand function.
- Some babies are born without certain muscle functions, and in such situations, the missing muscle functions may be treated with tendon transfer surgery. These conditions include hypoplastic thumbs and birth brachial plexopathy.
How is a tendon transfer performed?
Before performing tendon transfer surgery in Delhi, the surgeon carries out a pre-operative assessment to determine whether you are a suitable candidate for the procedure. It involves physical examination, imaging tests, electromyographic tests, and other discussions. Once everything has been assessed, the surgeon fixes the date and time of the surgery.
- The procedure starts with administering general or regional anesthesia so you don't feel any pain or discomfort during the procedure.
- The surgeon proceeds by making precise incisions in the target area to access the affected tendons or muscles.
- With the help of specialized equipment and techniques, they identify the functioning tendon and transfer or move it to the new location to restore functionality.
- Once the tendon has been transferred, the incisions are closed with the help of sutures or staples.
- The surgeon performs dressings or bandages on the surgical site and brings you to the recovery room.
Cost of Tendon Transfer Surgery in Delhi
The average cost of tendon transfer surgery in Delhi lies between 30,000 INR and 1,75,000 INR. This cost is further characterized by the following factors.
- The severity of the tendon damage and the need for complex reconstruction affect the price of the surgery. The more complex the surgery, the higher the cost.
- Costs of tendon transfer surgery in Delhi are higher in private and multi-speciality hospitals when compared to government hospitals and smaller clinics.
- A highly specialized surgeon charges a higher fee for this procedure, owing to their experience and expertise.
- Pre-surgery tests, including MRI, X-rays, and others, also play a role in deciding the cost of the surgery.
- Post-operative care, including physiotherapy, medicines, rehabilitation programs, and follow-up visits, also affects the overall cost of the surgery.
Recovery after Surgery
The recovery after tendon transfer surgery may take a few months. It also depends on how well you follow the after-care instructions imparted by the surgeon or their team. After getting discharged from the hospital, you may have a splint or cast to protect the new tendon transfer until the tendon heals to its new position. It may take 1-2 months.
At this time, the surgeon will put you on a rehabilitation program with a therapist. They will work closely with you to guide you through a tailored program aimed at maximizing the effectiveness of the transfer while preventing stiffness or muscle weakness. As the weeks progress, you may expect to regain mobility.
Do not skip the follow-up appointments with your surgeon throughout the recovery, as these appointments let them track the progress of your recovery and make essential changes, if required.
Why Choose Dr. Ashwani Maichand for Tendon Transfer Surgery?
Dr. Ashwani Maichand is a trusted expert in the field of tendon transfer surgery. Renowned for his precision, advanced surgical techniques, and patient-focused care, Dr. Maichand treats complex neuromuscular and orthopaedic cases with utmost perfection, offering a high success rate to individuals struggling with mobility and movement.
Based on individual requirements, Dr. Maichand plans each procedure carefully to restore optimal function and movement. His treatment approach combines clinical expertise with personalized rehabilitation strategies, ensuring faster recovery and long-term results. His minimally invasive methods benefit patients of all age groups, from children to adults. The factors, such as reduced complications and improved outcomes, make him a preferred choice for tendon transfer procedures.
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Dr. Ashwani Maichand
MBBS, MS(Orthopaedics) | Mch(Orthopaedics)
- Sr. Consultant & Director at Minomax Orthopaedics
- Director Orthopaedics, CK Birla Hospital
- Fellowship Joint Replacement (USA & GERMANY)
- Visiting Surgeon HELIOSENDO at klinik, Hamburg, Germany
Dr. Ashwani Maichand brings with him a rich experience of Orthopaedics, more than a decade of which has been dedicated to joint reconstruction.
