This is a regional service provided by the plastic surgery department for the surgical treatment of spasticity of the arm and hand.
We see adults and children who have had brain injuries that have affected the function of their arms and hands. These injuries can result from stroke, birthing difficulty, infection, tumour, or trauma. The limbs can be weak or can be tense due to increased muscle tone and are difficult to control or relax. Sometimes the arm has no movement at all and this can make washing and dressing difficult. The muscles and tendons can become shortened and weak and the joints stiff and sometimes surgery can correct this and improve arm function.
Meet the team
- Helen Neal, Physiotherapist
- Ben Sirr, Physiotherapist
- Caroline Pellatt, Occupational Therapist
What we do
We take referrals from rehabilitation doctors, paediatricians, neurologists, orthopaedic surgeons and GPs. Often the patient will have had other treatments for their arms such as botulinum toxin injections and most will already have had physiotherapy and occupational therapy.
Most children referred to us will see Joanna Burdon first for an occupational therapy assessment, which involves examination of arm joint positions and movement. Joanna will also assess how the patient uses their arm by asking them to do tasks. At this appointment the patient and their family are asked if there are any specific goals that they would like to achieve and we consider this in their treatment plan.
After this assessment the patient is booked into a dedicated children’s clinic where the consultant Catherine Hernon, occupational therapist Joanna Burdon and Physiotherapist Helen Neal see the patients together and treatment is planned.
We also have a dedicated adult clinic where we see patients together but some adult patients are seen in one of Catherine Hernon’s hand clinics.
Treatment
After assessment some patients will need their arms to be splinted or casted and stretched. Sometimes this is all that is required. Some patients undergo this therapy first to optimize the condition of their arm in preparation for surgery.
Some patients will require botulinum toxin followed by stretching and splinting. This is also sometimes done in preparation before surgery and can improve the surgical outcome.
Some patients will be suitable for surgery such as tendon lengthening, tendon transfers or tone reducing surgery.
Some patients may benefit from psychological support to help them cope with their arm disability and we can refer them to our Clinical and health psychology department for this.
Contact us
Our service is based in Clarendon Wing, LGI.
General enquiries
Practice co-ordinator Susan Silla
Tel: 0113 3922898
(Opening hours: Monday to Thursday 9:00am to 5:00pm. Answerphone available outside these hours)
Unit Fax: 0113 3926094
Outpatient booking enquiries
Tel: 0113 3928237 or 0113 3923450
(Opening hours: Monday to Friday 8.30am to 4:00pm. Answerphone available outside these hours)
All enquiries and correspondence can be addressed to:
Catherine Hernon Consultant Plastic Surgeon
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Department
Clarendon Wing, Leeds General Infirmary
Great George Street, Leeds LS1 2EX