ABSTRACT
Muscles are the ‘motors’ that power movement after tendon transfer surgery. An understanding of muscle functional properties can assist the surgeon in planning and executing successful reconstructive procedures. In this chapter, the basic properties of muscle are discussed with special reference to the clinical significance of these properties. Then, muscle and joint properties are combined, to provide insight into the mechanism of torque generation in the upper extremity. Finally, the structural basis of muscle ‘feel’ during tensioning and adaptation after tensioning are reviewed along with suggested future research directions for upper-extremity surgeons.
