Tenodesis
Pronunciation: ten-oh-DEE-sis
The passive tension created in tendons when joints move, or a surgical procedure that creates functional grip through wrist positioning.
Full Definition
Tenodesis refers to both a normal physiological phenomenon and a surgical procedure. Physiologically, it describes the passive length-tension relationship of multi-joint muscles, such as how wrist extension causes passive finger flexion due to finger flexor tendon tightening. Surgically, tenodesis procedures create functional hand grip in individuals with high-level spinal cord injuries by using preserved wrist extension to generate passive finger flexion for grasp. This principle is fundamental in rehabilitation of neurological conditions affecting hand function.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish between the physiological phenomenon and surgical procedure contexts when editing.
In Context
- "The patient demonstrated functional tenodesis grip allowing basic object manipulation." — Spinal cord injury evaluation
- "Wrist extension exercises were emphasized to maximize the tenodesis effect for grasp function." — Hand therapy protocol