Tendon transfers for the treatment of finger flexion weakness in a patient with inclusion body myositis

Case: We describe a 71-year-old patient with inclusion body myositis (IBM), characterized by progressive atrophy and weakness in his left upper extremity. This patient underwent extensor carpi radialis longus to flexor pollicis longus and brachioradialis to flexor digitorum profundus tendon transfers in the left upper extremity to reduce IBM-related functional deficits. He had noticeable improvements in finger flexion after the transfers, which have been sustained for 2 years after the procedure. Conclusion: This case reinforces that this novel tendon transfer may be an effective treatment option to improve hand function and activities of daily living in patients with IBM.