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Nerve Transfer After Spinal Cord Injury- Multi-center

This research is investigating a new surgical treatment called nerve transfer for individuals who have experienced a spinal cord injury, specifically those whose injuries have led to complete paralysis and no hand function. The main goal is to understand how well this surgery works to improve hand movement and overall quality of life. Currently, treatment options for these types of spinal cord injuries are limited, so finding effective ways to restore some function and independence could make a big difference. The study will also look at which patients benefit most from the surgery and how different factors influence their recovery. It's hoped that this research will lead to better ways of helping people regain useful hand function after a spinal cord injury.

At a glance

Status

Active not recruiting

Sponsor

Washington University School of Medicine

Enrolment target

Start

13 Apr 2020

Estimated completion

01 Dec 2026

Tetraplegia Spinal Cord Injuries Quadriplegia Flaccid

What is this study about?

This study is looking into a new type of treatment called nerve transfer surgery for people who have had a spinal cord injury that has caused them to lose the use of their hands. When the spinal cord is damaged, the messages from the brain can't reach the muscles, leading to paralysis. This surgery aims to reroute healthy nerves from working muscles to those that are paralysed, hoping to give back some movement and feeling.

The main idea behind this research is to see if nerve transfer surgery can actually make a positive difference in how much someone can use their hands after a spinal cord injury. They also want to understand if this surgery can improve their overall quality of life and make them more independent in daily tasks. The study will pay close attention to different types of patients to find out who might benefit the most from this treatment.

Ultimately, the researchers hope that by understanding the effectiveness of nerve transfer surgery, they can offer better treatment options to people with spinal cord injuries. The goal is to help patients regain some valuable hand function, which can greatly impact their independence and how they manage their day-to-day lives.

Key takeaways

This study explores nerve transfer surgery for spinal cord injury paralysis.
It aims to improve hand function and quality of life.
Patients will undergo surgery and extensive rehabilitation.
Participation involves regular check-ups for up to four years.
Not everyone is suitable; strict eligibility criteria apply.
You can withdraw from the study at any time.

Who may be eligible?

To be considered for this study, you need to be an adult between 18 and 65 years old. You should have had your spinal cord injury between 3 months and 3 years ago, and your hand function should not have improved on its own for at least three months. It's important that your spinal cord injury led to complete paralysis in your hands, meaning you currently have no hand movement or feeling.

Before surgery, doctors will do special tests on your nerves and muscles to make sure this type of surgery could potentially help you. They'll check that some healthy nerves are available to be moved and that your arm muscles below the injury still have the ability to receive new nerve signals.

There are also some reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if you have an active infection, are pregnant, or have other serious health problems like certain cancers. If you've had a lot of stiffness in your arm or hand joints, or if you're already receiving ongoing treatment like high-dose steroids, you might not be suitable either. The study also needs you to be able to attend all the follow-up appointments and have a good support system.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you between 18 and 65 years old?
Was your spinal cord injury between 3 months and 3 years ago?
Has your hand function not improved naturally for at least 3 months?
Do you have a complete loss of hand movement due to your injury?
Are you currently not pregnant or planning to be?
Do you have good social support for follow-up appointments?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you join this study, you would undergo nerve transfer surgery. After the surgery, you'll start a rehabilitation programme, including hand and occupational therapy, about two weeks later. This therapy is very important to help you learn how to use your new nerve connections and muscles. You will have one hour of therapy each day.

Throughout the study, you'll have several check-ups and tests. These will happen before your surgery and then regularly for up to four years afterwards (at 6 months, 1 year, 2 years, 3 years, and 4 years). These appointments will involve tests to measure your hand and arm strength, how well you can move, and to ask you about your quality of life. The doctors will also keep an eye out for any problems that might arise from the surgery or during your recovery. The total duration of your participation in the study, including all follow-up, could be up to four years.

Potential risks and benefits

Participating in this study might offer the benefit of potentially improving your hand function and independence after a spinal cord injury, which could significantly enhance your quality of life. However, as with any surgery, there are risks, including potential complications during or after the operation, and there's no guarantee that the surgery will fully restore hand function. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your usual medical care.

Locations (9)

Stanford University
Verified postcode
Stanford, United States
University of Miami
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Miami, United States
University of Michigan
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Ann Arbor, United States
Washington University
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St Louis, United States
University of Pennsylvania
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Philadelphia, United States
Houston Methodist
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Houston, United States
University of Utah
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Salt Lake City, United States
Alberta Health Services - Foothills Medical Center
Verified postcode
Calgary, Canada
University of Alberta
Verified postcode
Edmonton, Canada

Common questions

What is nerve transfer surgery?

It's an operation where healthy nerves are moved from one muscle to another, to try and regain movement in paralysed muscles.

How long will I be in the study?

You could be in the study for up to four years, including your surgery and all follow-up appointments.

Will my hand function definitely improve?

There's no guarantee, but the study aims to see how much improvement is possible with this surgery and rehabilitation.

What kind of therapy will I need?

You'll have hand therapy and occupational therapy to help you learn how to use your new nerve connections and muscles.

Can I leave the study at any time?

Yes, you can choose to leave the study whenever you want, without it affecting your medical care.