Tendon Transfers in Upper Extremity Reconstruction

Abstract

Tendon transfers, first performed more than 100 years ago, remain one of the most powerful tools in the hand surgeon’s repertoire for addressing chronic peripheral nerve palsies. Dozens of transfers have been described in the intervening years, but three sets of transfers to provide wrist, finger, and thumb extension after a high radial nerve injury remain among the most commonly performed. This chapter briefly discusses the history of tendon transfers; outlines the general principles, indications, and timing of transfers; and provides a detailed, step-by-step description of the authors’ preferred set of transfers (the FCR set) for a high radial nerve palsy.