A Tendon transfer is a surgical procedure used to treat conditions that affect the muscles and tendons in the arm or leg. Tendon relocation surgery aims to improve muscle function and movement in the affected limb and enhance healthy development. Unfortunately, many parents are unaware of taking their baby for tendon transfer. The following are the key reasons your baby needs tendon transfer:
Fix Birth Deformities
Shifting the tendon is often recommended to correct birth deformities. For example, when a baby’s hand is not positioned correctly at birth, the tendons can become shortened and twisted. Such deformities can cause problems gripping and using the hand later in life. Shifting the tendon can help to lengthen and straighten the tendons, allowing for improved movement and function of the hand. Similarly, correcting foot tendons due to deformities such as clubfoot can enhance the functionality of your baby’s foot.
Fix Nervous System Disorders
Diseases can cause damage to the nervous system, leading to problems with movement and coordination. In some cases, a tendon transfer may be recommended to help improve your baby’s symptoms. For instance, cerebral palsy is a disorder that affects movement and posture due to damage to the brain. If your baby has cerebral palsy, relocating the tendon may be recommended to help improve muscle strength and function. Similarly, if your baby has had a stroke, medics may use a tendon relocation to help them regain lost movement abilities.
Repair Injured Muscles
If a baby has sustained an injury to its muscles, relocating a tendon may be recommended to help the muscle heal properly. One example of an injured muscle is when your baby tears their hamstring muscle. In such a scenario, doctors can use tendon transfer to move the damaged tendon to its correct location and promote healing. Moreover, transferring tendons can fix muscle disorders such as Myasthenia Gravis.
Fix Injured Nerves
In some cases, an injured nerve can cause problems with movement and function. Nerve injuries can be caused by various factors, such as an accident. One example of this is necessary if your baby has a brachial plexus injury. A brachial plexus injury damages the network of nerves that control the arm and hand. If your baby has this type of injury, they may benefit from moving a tendon to improve movement and function in their arm and hand.
Conclusion
When considering whether or not your baby needs a tendon transfer, it is crucial to speak with your doctor about the pros and cons of the procedure. Tendon relocation is often beneficial in restoring movement and function in babies who have birth deformities for one reason or the other. However, tendon shifting surgery can be expensive for a few parents who desire the best for their babies. If that is your position, worry not. Steps Worldwide charity organization has covered you and can offer financial aid to support your child’s tendon transfer. The organization seeks to enhance the well-being of every child irrespective of their background and restore their limbs optimal functionality.
