[Surgical rehabilitation of upper limb function by tendon transfer in tetraplegia]

Patients with cervical spinal cord injury have partial paralysis of their upper limbs, depending on the precise level of the injury. Twenty years ago, attempts at surgical rehabilitation of upper limb function in such patients started with tendon transfers, along with tenodeses, and some arthrodeses. These procedures are performed at least one year post-trauma. Depending upon the level of the injury, they usually significantly improve the functional autonomy of these otherwise severely handicapped patients. It is estimated that 60-70% of all tetraplegic patients can benefit from this type of surgery.