Nerve transfer reconstructions can be an important option for restoration of hand function in patients who suffer from acute flaccid myelitis (AFM).  The injury which AFM inflicts on spinal cord motor neurons, which control hand and arm movement, can lead to devastating paralysis and loss of hand function.  These functions sometimes can be reconstructed using nearby nerves which retain their function, to give back motion in paralyzed areas.  Tendon transfers at a subsequent stage of reconstruction can help to fine-tune movement of the fingers and thumb, and to bring patients back to more normal hand function.