Dr. Ryan Chessman Jefferson, MD

Tendon transfer surgery can be performed on the arms, hands, feet, or other areas of the body where a muscle becomes unable to pull on its tendon. A nearby tendon is detached from its bone, but kept connected to its muscle, nerves, and blood supply. The loose end is connected to the bone that the patient could not move. After the attachment heals, the patient will be able to move that part of the body by flexing the newly connected muscle.

One of the benefits to tendon transfer surgery is that it does not have to be performed right away after an injury. It can be successful even if the affected area has been paralyzed for years. It does take time to retrain the brain to use a different muscle for movement, but the surgery is a powerful option to restore needed motion.

During trigger finger surgery, the tendons at the base of the affected finger are identified and the sheath is opened up, allowing the tendons to move freely without getting stuck. This can be done through a tiny incision in the palm, or even without an incision at all, using the tip of a needle. Most people are able to move their fingers normally, bending and straightening their finger without catching or popping, right away after surgery. Although patients may have some pain and stiffness as they heal, recovery is quick.