Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust, in collaboration with The British Society for Surgery of The Hand, successfully hosted the World Tetrahand Congress 2026 this September. The event convened surgeons, therapists, and researchers from around the globe to present the latest developments in aiding individuals with spinal cord injuries to restore hand function.
The congress took place at the Waterside Theatre in Aylesbury and Stoke Mandeville Hospital, attracting delegates from countries including the USA, Brazil, Australia, and various European nations, as well as teams from spinal injury centres across the UK.
Stoke Mandeville Hospital, renowned as the birthplace of the Paralympic movement and home to the National Spinal Injuries Centre founded in 1944, provided a fitting venue. Since 2024, it has also served as the permanent starting point for the Paralympic flame.
This congress continues that legacy, with the Trust now pioneering surgical techniques to enhance the independence of individuals with limited hand movement. Experts shared cutting-edge methods for restoring hand and arm function, including surgeries that can enable patients to grip objects, open doors, or hold hands again. Discussions also explored the future impact of new technologies, such as Neuralink, on patient care. Patient recovery stories were a central feature, highlighting the profound impact of this work on daily lives.
The Trust also facilitated the attendance of 14 international surgeons, supported by global charities and an anonymous donor, fostering the development of specialists in this field, particularly from resource-limited countries.
“"Hosting the World Tetrahand Congress here at Stoke Mandeville was a huge privilege. This is where the rehabilitation of people with spinal cord injury began, and it felt right that it should also be where the world’s experts come together to help even more people regain independence. The response from colleagues around the globe has been wonderful."
The congress underscores Stoke Mandeville's status as a leading global spinal injury unit and reinforces the Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust's international reputation in this specialised medical field.
