Although there are several alternatives available to improve hand function in tetraplegia, the research comparing interventions is lacking. This investigation compared the hand function of adolescents who used tenodesis, used a wrist-driven flexor hinge orthosis (WFHO), or had tendon transfer surgery. Additionally, the relationship between pinch strength and task performance for all three methods was examined. The results indicated that those who had tendon transfer surgery had significantly stronger pinch force than those who used tenodesis. Two of the six tasks on the Grasp and Release Test (GRT) were significantly correlated to pinch force, however there was no measurable difference between the groups on the GRT.

Grasp and Release Test, hand function, spinal cord injury, tendon transfer, tenodesis, tetraplegia, pinch force, wrist-driven flexor hinge orthosis
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