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Updated: May 28, 2026
Therapy Interventions for Upper Limb Amputees Undergoing Selective Nerve Transfers
Published on: October 29, 2021
Free functional muscle transfer for the upper extremity
Alexander Seal1, Milan Stevanovic
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Southern California, USC University Hospital, LAC + USC Medical Center, 2025 Zonal Avenue, GNH 3900, Los Angeles, CA 90089-9312, USA.
Abstract:
Free functional muscle transfers are an excellent treatment option in patients when significant time has passed after a nerve injury. In addition, they are the treatment of choice for reconstruction of established Volkmann's ischemic contracture, muscle loss from trauma, or tumor resection, and in congenital muscle absence. In cases where there is both soft tissue and functional muscle loss, free functional muscle transfers can address these problems together. This article focuses on the key principles for functional reconstruction of the upper extremity with free functional muscle transfers.
