Characteristics of Candidates for Tendon Transfers or FES

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Answer

This usually varies by procedure.  When selecting candidates for tendon transfers, we want someone who is motivated and willing to commit their full effort and time into making the procedure a success.  They will often be immobilized for many weeks in  a cast and need to have full time care.  They need to have the support in place to make this work.

With research procedures, such as FES implantation or neuroprosthesis, the bar is set even higher as we have limited research dollars to spend.  We carefully choose our candidates based on their willingness to work hard, the strength of the muscles and their response to stimulation and their overall good health.  Often with spinal cord injuries there are comorbid conditions such as urinary tract infections or decubitus ulcers.  We want to make sure that our candidates are not affected by these afflictions before we start our trial so that we can ensure the best outcomes possible.