Journal
ARCHIVES OF PHYSICAL MEDICINE AND REHABILITATION
Volume 97, Issue 6, Pages S160-S168Publisher
W B SAUNDERS CO-ELSEVIER INC
DOI: 10.1016/j.apmr.2016.01.038
Keywords
Nerve transfer; Quadriplegia; Rehabilitation; Supination; Upper extremity
Categories
Ask authors/readers for more resources
Despite being a routine part of the early surgical management of brachial plexus injury, nerve transfers have only recently been used as a reconstructive option for those with tetraplegia. Subsequently, there is limited published literature on the rehabilitation theories and techniques for optimizing outcomes in this population. This article seeks to address this void by presenting our centers' working model for rehabilitation after nerve transfers for individuals with tetraplegia. The model is illustrated with the example of the rehabilitation process after a supinator nerve to posterior interosseous nerve transfer. This nerve transfer reconstructs wrist, finger, and thumb extension. The topics covered in the model include the following: patient selection and presurgical planning/intervention, managing the postoperative healing phase of an individual who is wheelchair dependent, maximizing motor reeducation, increasing muscle strength, and ensuring use in functional tasks. This article provides a platform for further development and collaboration to improve the outcomes of patients who undergo nerve transfers after tetraplegia. (C) 2016 by the American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine
Authors
I am an author on this paper
Click your name to claim this paper and add it to your profile.
Reviews
Recommended
No Data Available