How Long Does Recovery From A Tendon Transfer Take?

Posted on Tue, 10 May 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Tue, 10 May 2016 Answered on

Tue, 21 Jun 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : I will be having a tendon transfer to repair frayed tendons in my right hand soon. What can I expect is the recovery process-- time, pt, pain levels, etc.?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Ivan Romich (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
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Detailed Answer:
Hi and welcome.
I 've red your story and I am sorry that such unpleasant complications developed after such routines procedure.
First to say, tendon transfer is last treatment method and generally,results are not so good. some degree of finger movements may recover but full recovery is never achieved. But in hand of experienced hand surgeon,this operation is definitely beneficial fo patients with severe tendon injury or transection. Pain is minimal in postoperative phase.hand is immobilized of course so pain will not be aggravated by movements. Usually we hold cast immobilization for 2-3 weeks and then physical therapy is started soon after it and last for 1 month and this is very important phase of recovery. so 2 months is expected time for recovery.Wish you good health. Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Naveen Kumar