The golden year: How functional recovery sets the stage for tendon transfer surgery among patients with tetraplegia-a qualitative analysis.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Tendon transfer surgery can effectively improve hand function for patients with tetraplegia but remains poorly utilized. Little is known regarding how patients' rehabilitation experiences influence their perception of function, identity, and coping to shape their reconstructive context.

Methods

We performed a cross-sectional qualitative analysis of 19 participants with C4-C7 cervical spinal injuries: 9 patients had undergone reconstruction; 10 had not. Semistructured interviews were conducted using an interview guide focusing on rehabilitation experience, the relationship between function and identity, and how patient experience evolved. Interview transcripts were analyzed using grounded theory.

Results

The study sample was predominantly male (79%), white (

SUBMITTER: Harris CA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10684031 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature