Tendon transfers in BPBP

Tendon transfers in birth brachial plexus palsy Many patients with birth brachial plexus palsy (BBPP) have good spontaneous recovery. This is because the injury is a low velocity injury compared to the adult palsy and hence the injury is mostly a stretch injury which has high potential to recover. Even if there is rupture of the roots the distance to bridge and to travel to the destination is closer resulting in good spontaneous recovery. For the patients with insufficient recovery, nerve surgeries are indicated. Tendon transfers procedures are recommended when the child is not a candidate for nerve surgery operation. Additionally, tendon transfers are commonly required to improve the existing function after insufficient spontaneous recovery or after nerve repair surgery. Tendon transfers are commonly done to improve the shoulder function and less frequently to restore elbow flexion or extension.