The Wellington Hospital
8A Wellington Place NW8 9LE London
Tendon transfer surgery
TENDON TRANSFER TO RECOVER FUNCTION IN LOWER AND UPPER LIMBS
A tendon transfer is typically carried out to restore normal movement to the ankle and foot after a loss of function
About a tendon transfer
A tendon transfer is a surgical procedure where a healthy tendon is taken and moved to replace the function of a diseased or inactive tendon.
A tendon transfer restores the movement or action to a previously paralysed or diseased muscle and joint.
Need to know
We have leading experts and diagnostic tests to diagnose your issues, which will involve a detailed clinical assessment supported by diagnostic tests such as ultrasound, MRI scans and nerve conduction studies.
In most cases non-operative methods using splints and physiotherapy to strengthen the working muscles are used before any surgery is considered. If surgery is considered, this is usually under general anaesthetic and your specialist may transfer a tendon and replace it with a healthy tendon used for a different function. The tendons are either stitched onto the existing tendons or re-routed through a bone tunnel.
Your consultant will let you know how best to prepare for your surgery.
You will need to stay in hospital for between one and two nights. Your foot will be elevated for the first two weeks and will be supported in a plaster cast below the knee for up to six weeks.
Rehabilitation involves a multidisciplinary team of expert nurses, physiotherapists and occupational therapists all overseen by your specialist consultant. Return to work in a non-manual job is usually possible by 2-4 weeks but complete recovery can take up to a year.
Mr Marco Sinisi - Peripheral Nerve Specialist
At HCA Healthcare UK, we work with leading consultants to enable access to the the latest techniques and treatment.
Mr Marco Sinisi is our lead consultant for Peripheral Nerve Injuries based at The Wellington Hospital. Mr Sinisi has a comprehensive knowledge of nerve injuries and has experience in a wide range of nerve problems from trauma through to sports injuries. He is experienced in managing complex nerve conditions as well as performing complex nerve operations.
Our Tendon transfer surgery locations
London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street SE1 2PR London
The Shard Outpatients
The Shard, 32 St Thomas Street SE1 9BS London
Elstree Waterfront Outpatients
Beaufort House WD6 3BS Elstree
The Wellington Hospital Outpatients
15 - 17 Lodge Road NW8 7JA London
Patient stories
Yvette's story: From back pain to hip replacement surgery
Yvette (54) a journalist from Kent, started experiencing pain in her hip seven years ago in 2015. An ex-national gymnast who had been incredibly active and flexible her whole life, Yvette felt concerned about the growing discomfort impacting her quality of life, and so sought help from her GP.
A new hip and straight back into the spin of things
David’s gym video shows him repeatedly pushing up to 100kg on a single leg press – not particularly unusual for this keen cyclist, former competitive squash player and all-round fitness enthusiast. What is unusual is that 52-year-old David had hip surgery just 12 weeks earlier.
Michael's MAKO hip surgery to treat his arthritis
73 year-old Michael, an avid walker and charity worker, was diagnosed with arthritis in January 2021. After facing long waiting times and increasing pain that was becoming more frequent, he started to look elsewhere for treatment.
This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.