Nerve Transfer Surgery to Restore Upper-limb Function After Cervical Spinal Cord Injury

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF BRITISH COLUMBIA · Dec 1, 2022

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is looking at a type of surgery called nerve transfer surgery to see if it can help people with cervical spinal cord injuries regain better use of their arms and hands. The study will compare the results of individuals who have had this surgery with those who have not, to understand how effective the surgery is for improving movement and function in the upper limbs. Researchers aim to develop a way to predict how well someone might do after the surgery based on their health and physical condition before the operation.

To participate in this study, you need to be between 18 and 80 years old and have a complete or almost complete spinal cord injury at the C5 to C8 level. You should be able to give consent and speak or understand English. However, if you have certain medical issues that are not under control or have received specific treatments for muscle tone in your arms, you may not be eligible. If you join the study, you can expect to undergo testing and assessments before and after the surgery, and you will receive rehabilitation support to help with your recovery. This trial is currently recruiting participants, and everyone is welcome to apply.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Motor complete (AIS A or B) between neurological level of injury C5 and C8
• • Able to provide informed written consent
• • Able to attend and comply with the testing protocols
• • Able to understand and speak English or have access to an appropriate interpreter as judged by the investigator.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • An uncontrolled medical condition (e.g. uncontrolled cardiovascular disease, diabetes, kidney or liver disease)
• • Have ever received botulinum toxin injections (Botox) for tone management in the upper limb
• • An unmanaged secondary complication of SCI including but not limited to uncontrolled neuropathic pain or spasticity, syringomyelia, fracture, urinary tract infection or significant pressure ulcer, preventing participation in testing