This study seeks to evaluate the efficacy of nerve transfers in restoring hand function in patients with cervical spinal injuries.
Cervical spinal cord injury is a life-altering injury that results in profound loss of upper limb function. Hand function is essential to basic activities of daily living and consequently has a significant impact on patients' quality of life. Tendon transfers and/or tenodesis have traditionally been used to restore hand function in spinal cord injuries - however, in recent years there is growing interest in the role of nerve transfers as a means of accomplishing this goal. Although preliminary results indicate nerve transfers may be well-suited for patients with spinal cord injury, their long term efficacy has not been demonstrated. This study seeks to evaluate the efficacy of nerve transfers in restoring hand function in patients with cervical spinal injuries. Eligible patients will receive nerve transfer procedure(s) (e.g. brachialis to anterior interosseous nerve, supinator to posterior interosseous) and will be followed post-operatively to assess for changes in strength, functional independence, and quality of life.
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Unilateral surgery will be performed under general non-paralytic anesthesia and no-tourniquet conditions to allow for responsive nerve simulation.
Washington University School of Medicine
St Louis, Missouri, United States
The Ottawa Hospital
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Upper extremity function - Myometric measures of strength (donor and recipient muscle groups)
Valid and reliable quantitative muscle strength measurement
Time frame: Change from baseline at 6, 12, 24, 30 and 36 months post-surgery
Upper extremity function - Manual muscle testing (MRC)
Quantitative assessment of motor function (MRC)
Time frame: Change from baseline at 6, 12, 24, 30 and 36 months post-surgery
Upper extremity function - Graded Redefined Assessment of Strength, Sensibility and Prehension test (GRASSP)
Valid, reliable and responsive measure of sensorimotor upper limb impairment specifically designed for patients with cervical SCI
Time frame: Change from baseline at 6, 12, 24, 30 and 36 months post-surgery
Upper extremity function - Range of motion
Quantitative assessment of range of motion (degrees)
Time frame: Change from baseline at 6, 12, 24, 30 and 36 months post-surgery
Health related quality of life - The Short Form (SF)-36
Valid and responsive measure of quality of life in surgical patients
Time frame: Change from baseline at 6, 12, 24, 30 and 36 months post-surgery
Health related quality of life - Spinal Cord Independence Measure (SCIM I)
Disability scale developed to specifically address the ability of SCI patients to perform basic activities of daily living independently
Time frame: Change from baseline at 6, 12, 24, 30 and 36 months post-surgery
Health related quality of life - Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM)
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.
Evidence-based outcome measure designed to capture a patient's self-perception of performance in everyday living
Time frame: Change from baseline at 6, 12, 24, 30 and 36 months post-surgery
Health related quality of life - Semi-structured interviews
Semi-structured interviews to gain information about satisfaction, acceptability, and the subjective experience of the surgical intervention, therapy, and functional outcome
Time frame: Collected at 12 and 24 months post-surgery.