Nerve transfer techniques are becoming increasingly important in treating brachial plexus and peripheral nerve injuries. As interest from surgeons grows and the demand for effective postoperative rehabilitation rises, there remains a significant gap in standardized protocols for recovery.
This insightful book aims to fill that gap by providing essential principles for nerve transfer rehabilitation. It addresses crucial aspects such as the timing of rehabilitation, the concept of synergism, donor activation, and specific protocols for commonly performed nerve transfers. In Part 1, readers will find an overview of nerve transfer surgery, insights into cortical reorganization, the psychosocial effects of brachial plexus injuries, and foundational rehabilitation principles following nerve transfers. Key focuses include motor re-education, cortical plasticity, and strategies for recipient muscle recovery.
Part 2 delves into detailed rehabilitation guidelines for 22 common upper extremity nerve transfers, targeting optimal recovery for the shoulder, elbow, wrist, and hand. Notable transfers discussed include the Oberlin transfer, triceps to axillary nerve transfer, spinal accessory to suprascapular nerve transfer, intercostal nerve transfers, median to radial nerve transfers, and distal anterior interosseous nerve to ulnar motor transfer. This book serves as a practical clinical manual, featuring tables, figures, and photographs to clarify concepts and demonstrate rehabilitation exercises.
Clinicians and specialists across various fields—such as occupational and physical therapists, hand therapists, orthopedic and plastic surgeons, hand and elbow specialists, neurosurgeons, neurologists, and physical medicine and rehabilitation experts—will find this book an invaluable resource in their practice.
