Donor Activation Focused Rehabilitation Approach: Maximizing Outcomes After Nerve Transfers.
As nerve transfers become the mainstay in treatment of brachial plexus and isolated nerve injuries, the preoperative and postoperative therapy performed to restore motor function requires continued dedication and appreciation. Through the understanding of the general principles of muscle activation and patient education, the therapist has a unique impact on the return of function in patients with nerve injuries. As surgeons continue to develop novel nerve transfers, the perioperative training, education, and implementation of the donor activation focused rehabilitation approach model is critical to ensure successful outcomes.
Milliken Hand Rehabilitation Center, The Rehabilitation Institute of St. Louis, 4921 Parkview Place, Suite 6F, St Louis, MO 63110, USA.
Lorna Canavan
LC
Kahn
Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 South Euclid Avenue, CB 8238, St Louis, MO 63110, USA. Electronic address: mooream@wustl.edu.
Amy M
AM
Moore
D002540:Cerebral Cortex / Q000503:physiopathology; D005081:Exercise Therapy / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000601:surgery*; D016067:Nerve Transfer / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D056888:Patient Positioning; D059035:Perioperative Period; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities; D020127:Recovery of Function; D060053:Transplant Donor Site / Q000294:innervation / Q000503:physiopathology*
DAFRA; Exercise; Hand therapy; Nerve transfer; Occupational therapy; Physical therapy; Rehabilitation