Combined Nerve and Tendon Transfer for the Restoration of Hand Function in Individuals With Tetraplegia

About this trial

This is a clinical trial to assess the effects of nerve transfer surgery targeting hand function in individuals with cervical (neck area) spinal cord injuries. Tendon transfer is a traditional surgery that moves a working muscle and tendon to replace a non-working muscle, thus improving grip. Nerve transfer surgery, a newer technique, moves a normal functioning nerve to activate a paralyzed muscle. Researchers want to see if the newer method improves hand function by allowing for hand opening. This study compares tendon transfer alone with tendon transfer combined with nerve transfer. The goal is to determine if adding nerve transfer to a traditional tendon transfer surgery improves hand function more than tendon transfer alone. If selected for the study, participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups: tendon transfer alone, or tendon transfer combined with nerve transfer. Grip and pinch function will be assessed as well the effect on activities of daily living.