Tetraplegia-Activity Gains After Reconstructions of Elbow Extension in Patients With Tetraplegia

Activity Gains After Reconstructions of Elbow Extension in Patients With Tetraplegia

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This scientific article discusses the gains in activity and satisfaction experienced by patients with tetraplegia after surgical reconstruction of triceps function. The study evaluated 14 patients who underwent deltoid-to-triceps transfer and subsequent rehabilitation. Patients reported improved performance and satisfaction in all types of activities that they had prioritized. The most common activity gains were related to "driving a wheelchair" and the ability to "reach out." The study found that improvement in activity continued over the first year after surgery, with more complex activities showing greater improvement over a longer period of time compared to simpler activities. The study also highlighted the importance of elbow extension in performing activities that are difficult to compensate for with techniques or skills. Overall, the findings suggest that surgical reconstruction of triceps function can lead to significant gains in activity and satisfaction for patients with tetraplegia.

Keywords

tetraplegia

surgical reconstruction

triceps function

activity gains

patient satisfaction

deltoid-to-triceps transfer

rehabilitation

wheelchair driving

reaching out

improvement over time