At Tetrahand Cyprus, we specialize in complex elbow reconstruction procedures that restore movement, reduce pain, and improve daily function for individuals affected by trauma, nerve damage, or neurological conditions.

Understanding Elbow Reconstruction: Restoring Function and Improving Lives

Elbow reconstruction is a specialized surgical procedure aimed at restoring movement, strength, and stability to the elbow joint following trauma, nerve injuries, or neurological conditions such as brachial plexus injury, cerebral palsy, or spinal cord injury. At Tetrahand Cyprus, we provide highly individualized surgical and rehabilitation plans to help patients regain function and independence in their daily lives.

Why Elbow Function Matters

The elbow is a complex hinge joint that plays a crucial role in upper limb function. It enables the flexion, extension, and rotation of the forearm—movements we often take for granted, like eating, dressing, or performing basic hygiene. When the elbow is affected by injury, paralysis, or deformity, even simple tasks can become difficult or impossible.

Whether the loss of function is due to nerve injury, orthopedic trauma, or neurological disease, elbow reconstruction can dramatically improve quality of life by restoring essential movement and reducing pain.

Common Conditions That Require Elbow Reconstruction

Elbow reconstruction is often necessary in the following cases:

• Brachial plexus injuries: These can severely impact elbow flexion and shoulder control. Reconstruction focuses on restoring active movement through nerve transfers or tendon transfers.

• Spasticity from cerebral palsy or brain injury: Muscle tone imbalances can lead to joint deformities and stiffness. Surgical release or tendon lengthening may be used to improve mobility.

• Post-traumatic arthritis or fractures: Previous injuries can lead to joint instability or deformities that require realignment or joint resurfacing procedures.

• Spinal cord injuries and tetraplegia: Loss of voluntary muscle control can affect elbow movement, making surgical reconstruction vital to regain partial function.

Surgical Techniques for Elbow Reconstruction

The techniques used in elbow reconstruction depend on the underlying cause and severity of the condition. The most common surgical methods include:

• Tendon transfers: These involve redirecting a functioning muscle-tendon unit to take over the role of a paralyzed or damaged muscle. For instance, transferring part of the biceps or triceps can help restore active elbow flexion or extension.

• Nerve transfers: Nerves with preserved function are rerouted to innervate muscles that have lost function, a procedure often used in cases of brachial plexus injury.

• Capsular releases and osteotomies: When joint contractures or deformities are present, the joint capsule may need to be released, or bones realigned to improve range of motion.

• Joint replacement or resurfacing: In cases of severe arthritis or trauma, elbow prosthetics may be used to restore stability and function.

At Tetrahand Cyprus, our surgical planning focuses on maximizing outcomes with the fewest interventions possible. When appropriate, multiple procedures are performed in one surgery to minimize recovery time and hospital visits.

Recovery and Rehabilitation

Elbow reconstruction does not end in the operating room. Recovery is a critical phase that heavily influences long-term results. Early rehabilitation and physiotherapy begin shortly after surgery and focus on:

• Preventing joint stiffness

• Rebuilding strength and motor control

• Teaching compensatory techniques when needed

• Encouraging independence in daily activities

Our team works closely with patients to design a customized rehabilitation plan, combining physical therapy, occupational therapy, and functional training. In many cases, significant improvements in function can be seen within a few months, with continued progress over a year or more.

Outcomes and Expectations

While each patient’s journey is different, elbow reconstruction has shown excellent outcomes when performed by experienced surgeons within a structured care program. Many patients experience:

• Improved range of motion

• Greater muscle strength

• Reduced pain and contractures

• Increased ability to perform everyday tasks independently

Our goal is to not only restore physical function but also enhance the overall quality of life. We measure success not just by clinical results, but by how our patients live, work, and interact with the world post-surgery.

Why Choose Tetrahand Cyprus?

Founded through a collaboration between Professor Jan Fridén and Dr. Constantinos Kritiotis, Tetrahand Cyprus is dedicated to upper limb reconstructive surgery for individuals with complex neurological and nerve-related conditions. We are pioneers in performing multiple reconstructions in a single session, offering innovative surgical solutions backed by evidence-based rehabilitation protocols.

By combining world-class surgical expertise with compassionate, patient-centered care, we help individuals reclaim function and confidence in their lives.