Tendon Transfers
Disclaimer: This fact sheet is for education purposes only. Please consult with your doctor or other health professional to make sure this information is right for your child.
Definition
In a tendon transfer, part of the muscle is cut and removed from its original site and moved or transferred to another site. This is to allow better control of the limb.
Common transfers are:
- Rectus transfer - part of the front thigh muscle is transferred to the back of the thigh to allow easier and more controlled bending of the knee.
- SPLATT('split' Tibialis Anterior transfer)- part of the muscle is moved from the inner part of the foot and transferred to the outer part of the foot to allow for movement at the ankle without the foot turning in.
- Semitendinosus Transfer - This muscle forms part of the "Hamstring" muscles which bend the knee and extend the hip. This transfer is aimed at making the Hamstrings longer and allowing for knees to become straighter and helps to improve sitting. This transfer usually moves the muscle to be joined with one of the muscles in the inner thigh.
Weight Bearing
This can vary, please check with your surgeon.
Plasters
Short Leg plaster casts for a SPLATT are often required.
Orthoses
Often an ankle foot orthoses (AFO) may be used after calf surgeries.
A knee immobiliser or a 3 point knee splint may be required after surgery involving muscles of the thigh. These splints extend from the top of the thigh to the ankle to keep the knee straight.
Equipment
None specifically required as a result of tendon transfer itself. (Needs may arise from other surgeries performed alongside the tendon transfers.)
Special Instructions
Following a Rectus Transfer, it is important for knee bending exercises. This will begin in hospital with the physiotherapist and should continue at home.
© The Children's Hospital at Westmead - 1997-2006
This document was published on Wednesday, 20 June 2007.
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