Area: WRIST
Primary Problem: Flexing,
or bending down too much. Ulnarly deviating, or bending to the pinky side too
much. Often it is hard to bring the wrist up, or extend it.
Most Common Procedure:
Flexor Carpi Ulnaris (FCU) to Extensor Carpi
Radialis (ECRB/L).
The FCU is detached at the hand end and brought
around to the ECRB so it functions to bring the wrist up instead of down. In
less severe cases, the FCU is fractionally lengthened, but not moved, while
the ECU is moved to the central portion of the wrist at the ECRB. Both
procedures decrease wrist bending down and to the pinky side and improve
keeping the hand centered on the wrist. With this procedure, after surgery, it
is very important to “teach” the muscle transfer to function. This is done
with extensive therapy and practicing bringing the wrist up (with the digits
closed) in daily life tasks.
