Functional reconstruction of the upper extremity in tetraplegia

In tetraplegia grip and grasp are severly compromised. So the patients need help in many daily activities. Surgical reconstruction of function of the upper extremity with tendon transfer, arthrodesis, tenodesis and other surgical procedures provides a significant increase of independence. Most important is the restoration of elbow extension, a key grip between thumb and radial surface of the index finger and a grasp. We treated 7 patients with 9 reconstructions of elbow extension. Also we performed 8 reconstructions of hand function in 6 patients. Every patient preserved a good advance in self-sufficiency and quality of life. So surgical reconstruction of function of the upper extremity in tetraplegia should be improved also in Germany in cooperation with other European centers and under research conditions.