Name of the Procedure:

Transfer or transplant of tendon, palmar; with free tendon graft (includes obtaining graft), each tendon. Common Names: Palmar Tendon Transfer, Tendon Grafting, Tendon Transplant.

Summary

The procedure involves transferring or transplanting a tendon in the palm using a free tendon graft. This means that a tendon is taken from another part of the body (donor site) and used to replace or support a damaged tendon in the palm. It aims to restore movement and function to the hand.

Purpose

Medical Condition/Problem Addressed: Traumatic tendon injuries, chronic tendon injuries, tendon ruptures, congenital tendon defects, or conditions causing loss of tendon function in the hand.

Goals/Outcomes: Restoring hand function, improving strength and dexterity in the affected hand, reducing pain and disability, and enhancing the patient's quality of life.

Indications

Symptoms/Conditions:

• Significant tendon damage or rupture in the palm.
• Decreased hand function due to tendon issues.
• Chronic pain and disability from tendon injuries.
• Conditions like Dupuytren's contracture.

Patient Criteria:

• Patients with non-repairable tendons.
• Suitable donor sites available for tendon grafting.
• Overall good health to tolerate surgery.

Preparation

• Patients may need to fast for a few hours before the procedure.
• Avoid certain medications as instructed by the surgeon.
• Blood tests, imaging studies (like X-rays or MRIs), and physical assessments to evaluate the condition and plan the surgery.

Procedure Description

1. Anesthesia: General or regional anesthesia is provided to minimize pain and ensure the patient is comfortable.
2. Incision: An incision is made in the palm to access the damaged tendon.
3. Harvesting Graft: A tendon is harvested from a suitable donor site (commonly from the forearm or leg).
4. Transplantation: The harvested tendon is carefully placed and secured in the damaged area.
5. Stitching: The new tendon is anchored into place, and the incisions are closed with sutures.
6. Bandaging: The hand is bandaged and immobilized to support healing.

Tools/Equipment: Surgical instruments for cutting and suturing, graft harvest tools, anesthesia equipment.

Duration

The procedure typically takes 1.5 to 3 hours, depending on the complexity and specific case.

Setting

Performed in a hospital or an outpatient surgical center equipped for hand surgery.

Personnel

• Orthopedic or hand surgeon
• Surgical nurses
• Anesthesiologist/Anesthesia nurse

Risks and Complications

Common Risks: Infection, bleeding, pain, swelling. Rare Risks: Nerve damage, graft failure, reduced hand function, allergic reactions to anesthesia.

Complication Management: Immediate medical attention, antibiotics for infection, physical therapy for rehabilitation.

Benefits

• Restored hand function and movement.
• Reduced pain and increased strength.
• Improved quality of life.

Realization of Benefits: Benefits can be realized within a few weeks to months post-surgery, with improvement continuing as the hand heals and undergoes rehabilitation.

Recovery

• Follow postoperative care instructions (e.g., keeping the hand elevated, wound care).
• Physical therapy to regain strength and flexibility.
• Expected recovery time is typically 6 weeks to several months, depending on the extent of surgery and individual healing rate.
• Restrictions on heavy lifting and certain activities until cleared by the surgeon.
• Follow-up appointments for monitoring progress.

Alternatives

Other Treatment Options:

• Non-surgical methods like splinting or physical therapy for minor injuries.
• Steroid injections to reduce inflammation.
• Alternative surgeries might be considered depending on the specific case.

Pros/Cons of Alternatives: Non-surgical options have fewer risks but may not be effective for severe tendon damage. Alternative surgeries may vary in complexity and recovery time.

Patient Experience

During Procedure:

• Under anesthesia, ensuring no pain during surgery.
• Sedation or general anesthesia to ensure comfort.

After Procedure:

• Some pain and discomfort which can be managed with prescribed pain medications.
• Hand may be immobilized initially.
• Physical therapy is crucial for recovery.
• Gradual return to regular activities as per physician’s advice.

Pain management techniques, like medications and proper immobilization, play a significant role in improving comfort during recovery.