About us

The Upper Limb program is provided by the Plastic Surgery Department and Upper Limb occupational therapists, rehabilitation physicians and physiotherapists from the Victorian Spinal Cord Service.

Together, we work closely with you, your carers and your family to help you reach the best arm and hand function possible.

Our team was one of the first in the world to introduce the nerve transfer technology for spinal cord injuries. We were also the first to do multiple nerve transfers at once.

Austin Health is one of only two sites in Australia where there is an established nerve transfer surgery program within a spinal cord service.

We have a strong and ongoing focus on research.

Our services

We provide the following services:

• Nerve and tendon transfer surgery to give people back arm and hand function following spinal cord injury or other neurological damage
• Surgery for spasticity and contracture to improve upper and lower limb position and/or function for those who have suffered a stroke or an acquired brain injury, or who have cerebral palsy or multiple sclerosis. This is achieved using tendon lengthening and tendon transfer surgery combined with the appropriate use of intramuscular Botulinum toxin, splinting and strengthening therapy
• Treatment for peripheral nerve injury in the upper or lower limb using tendon or nerve transfers
• Treatment for drop foot

Our clinics

We run the following clinics:

• Spinal Cord Injury Upper Limb Clinic
• Upper & Lower Limb Spasticity Clinic

Upper Limb/Spasticity Surgical Team Leader

Mr Steven Flood

Related services

• Spinal cord injury

  Our Victorian Spinal Cord Service is one of the leading specialist services for acute spinal cord injury management and rehabilitation in Australia.

• Spinal surgery

  We perform spinal surgery for people who have an injury, cancer, deformity or nerve compression.

• Plastic & reconstructive surgery

  We perform plastic and reconstructive surgery for people after cancer or an injury, or for conditions they have had since birth.

• Occupational therapy

  We assist people to overcome limitations caused by injury, illness, psychosocial difficulties or the effects of ageing.

Referrals

For patients

You need a referral from your GP, specialist or health care provider to access this service.

For health professionals

Find out how to refer your patient.

What you need to bring

Every time you come

• Medicare card
• Health Care Card and/or concession card (if you have one)
• Private health insurance card (if applicable/if you want to use it)
• Adverse drug alert card (if you have one)
• Previous x-ray films, scans, ultrasounds or any other test results or reports
• Medicines you need to take while you are here
• List of medicines you are currently taking (or the boxes), including medicines you have bought without a prescription, such as herbal supplements and vitamins
• Glasses and hearing aid

For your clinic appointment

• Your appointment letter
• Any special items listed on your letter
• TAC or Workcover claim number (if relevant)

For your day procedure

• Responsible adult carer to stay with you to hear instructions, help you and take you home
• Comfortable day clothes, such as a tracksuit

Our locations

You may have your surgery at the Austin Hospital or Heidelberg Repatriation Hospital.

Check the information you have received to make sure you know which hospital to visit. If you are unsure, call your surgical liaison nurse or contact us on the numbers below.

Austin Hospital

The Surgery & Endoscopy Centre
Level 2, Austin Tower
145 Studley Road Heidelberg

Heidelberg Repatriation Hospital

The Surgery Centre
Level 2, Centaur Building
300 Waterdale Road Ivanhoe

View location map

Contact us

Upper Limb Program

Phone: 03 9490 7285

Fax: 03 9490 7362

Email: Upper.Limb.Program@austin.org.au

Location

Royal Talbot Rehabilitation Centre
1 Yarra Boulevard
Kew, Victoria 

Link to location maps