Nerve Transfer to Improve Function in High Level Tetraplegia
About this trial
The goal of this observational study is to determine if nerve transfer surgeries improve upper extremity function and quality of life in patients with a high level cervical spinal cord injury. Partic...
Included participants
What’s involved
Type
Details
Restoration of function in patients with high tetraplegia has been an elusive clinical challenge. There is a critical need to find an effective reconstructive therapy/procedure which improves the upper extremity function in patients with high tetraplegia. One pure motor nerve - spinal accessory nerve (SAN) remains a viable donor in high tetraplegia patients to successfully restore elbow flexion or extension. Elbow function can provide profound independence in mobility, ventilator management and may broaden the application of assistive therapies. The two objectives of this study are: Determine if SAN nerve transfer surgery can improve the reinnervation of bicep or tricep muscles in high tetraplegia patients. Determine if SAN nerve transfer surgery can reanimate upper arm function and improve functional independence in patients with high tetraplegia. Study Activities (including standard of care (SOC)) Electrodiagnosis pre-op (SOC) Upper extremity maximum muscle testing (SOC) Questionnaires (SOC and study-related (SR)) Exams by a study therapist (SR) Neurological exam - ISNCSCI - (SOC) Nerve Transfer Surgery to be determined by surgeon (SOC) Follow-up visits with surgeon at 6/12/18/24/36 and potentially 48 months post-op electrodiagnostic testing (SR) post-op upper extremity maximum muscle testing (SOC) post-op questionnaires post-op therapy exams (SR)
Potential benefits
Main benefits
Arm/hand function
Additional benefits
General health
Mental health and psychosocial factors
Pain
Spasticity
Standing/walking/mobility
Good to know: Potential benefits are defined as outcomes that are being measured during and/or after the trial.
Wings for Life supports SCITrialsFinder
Wings for Life has proudly initiated, led and funded the new version of the SCI Trials Finder website. Wings for Life aims to find a cure for spinal cord injuries. The not-for-profit foundation funds world-class scientific research and clinical trials around the globe.
Learn more- Trial recruitment status
- Recruiting
- Trial start date
- 5 Feb 2024
- Organisation
- Washington University School of Medicine
- Trial recruitment status
- Recruiting
- Trial start date
- 5 Feb 2024
- Organisation
- Washington University School of Medicine
About this trial
Included participants
What’s involved
Potential benefits
Wings for Life supports SCITrialsFinder
Wings for Life has proudly initiated, led and funded the new version of the SCI Trials Finder website. Wings for Life aims to find a cure for spinal cord injuries. The not-for-profit foundation funds world-class scientific research and clinical trials around the globe.
Learn more