RecruitingCervical Spinal Cord InjuryTetraplegia

Nerve Transfer to Improve Function in High Level Tetraplegia

Eligible age

18–80 yrs

Accepts

All genders

Locations

9 states

Healthy volunteers

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About this study

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. Participants will: * undergo standard of care pre- and post-op testing and study exams * complete pre- and post-questionnaires * undergo standard of care nerve transfer surgeries * follow-up with surgeon at 6/12/18/24/36 and potentially at 48 months * attend therapy at local therapist for up to 2 years postop.

Sponsor: Washington University School of Medicine

You may qualify if…

✓ 18-80 years of age
✓ High cervical SCI (motor level C1-C4)
✓ Motor complete SCI AIS grade A-B
✓ Plateaued spontaneous recovery for at least 6 months of non-operative therapy
✓ SCI greater than 6 months and fewer than 60 months since injury
✓ At least MRC 4/5 donor strength
✓ Mentally and physically willing and able to comply with evaluations

You may not qualify if…

✕ Active infection at the operative site or systemic infection
✕ Any return or ongoing recovery of distal motor function
✕ Significant joint contractures and/or limitations in passive range of motion in the arm
✕ Mentally or physically compromised making it impossible to complete study activities
✕ Immunologically suppressed
✕ Currently undergoing long-term steroid therapy
✕ Active malignancy
✕ Pregnancy