Nerve and Tendon Transfers After Spinal Cord Injuries in the Pediatric Population: Clinical Decision Making and Rehabilitation Strategies to Optimize Function

Abstract

With improvements in medical care, pediatric patients with spinal cord injuries with tetraplegia are living into adulthood. The goal of rehabilitation following loss of upper extremity function caused by tetraplegia is to maximize function and independence. Physiatrists must be aware of appropriate timing of referral for upper extremity surgery because it can have significant ramifications on the outcome. This article discusses the 2 most commonly used surgical strategies to restore upper extremity function: upper extremity tendon transfer and nerve grafting/transfer. Patient selection, physical examination, electrodiagnostic evaluation, and optimization of postoperative rehabilitation are important.

Keywords: Nerve transfer; Pediatric; Rehabilitation; Spinal cord injury; Tendon transfer; Tetraplegia.