The primary aim of this project is to develop simulations of tendon transfer surgeries, as a means of providing insight into the effects of key surgical parameters, that could inform surgical decision making.
Three types of tendon transfer surgery will be modelled, identified as clinical priorities through a review of the relevant literature and discussion with surgical partners. To meet the aims of this project, an existing biomechanical model of the hand and wrist will be adapted, and the models of the transfers will be incorporated into a optimal control framework.
The primary benefit to this research is to inform surgical decision making and provide surgeons with information that can contribute to a positive outcome for patients. Knowledge of which surgery works best under specific conditions could influence donor selection, donor pathways, selection of the attachment point, and surgical attachment tensioning.
