History of surgery in the rehabilitation of the tetraplegic upper limb.

Abstract

Surgery in the tetraplegic upper limb made tremendous strides during the last half of the 20th century, inspiring the motivation and creativity of hand surgeons to restore upper limb functions in one of the most unfortunate complications of trauma. Undoubtedly, the future will provide new tools to improve the surgeons' challenge. Meanwhile, they must proceed with meticulous clinical examinations, determine the level of the spinal cord lesion and the muscles available for transfer, and select the most appropriate and proven surgical procedures for each patient.