Actively Recruiting
Nerve Transfer Surgery to Restore Upper-limb Function After Cervical Spinal Cord Injury
Led by University of British Columbia · Updated on 2026-05-29
40
Participants Needed
4
Research Sites
N/A
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
U
University of British Columbia
Lead Sponsor
Q
Queen's University
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are evaluating the effects of nerve transfer surgery on hand function in people with cervical spinal cord injury. This observational study aims to see if nerve transfer improves hand function by comparing outcomes at 24 months after surgery to both baseline measures and to individuals who did not have the surgery. The study also seeks to identify factors related to better functional recovery after the procedure. Participants who receive nerve transfer surgery as part of their usual care will undergo a series of tests and assessments. The surgery involves a double nerve transfer to restore hand opening and closing by rerouting specific nerves. Functional and electrodiagnostic evaluations occur before surgery and every three months for two years afterward. The study compares results with a matched historical control group who did not have surgery. During the study, participants complete hand function tests, electrodiagnostic assessments, and questionnaires about independence and mood every three months up to 24 months post-surgery. Data collection includes detailed clinical exams and monitoring for any adverse effects. Researchers analyze changes in hand function over time and explore factors that may predict improvement. The total participation spans about two years of follow-up after the nerve transfer surgery.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Nerve Transfer Surgery to Restore Upper-limb Function After Cervical Spinal Cord Injury
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Traumatic, motor-complete cervical spinal cord injury (AIS A or B)
- Male or female, ages 18 to 70
- Consent and plan to undergo nerve transfer to restore grasp function in at least one limb
- Motor grade 4-5 at C5
- Motor grade 0-1 at C8/T1
- Injury duration within 6 months at the time of surgery
- English-speaking and cognitively intact
- Able to provide informed written consent
- Able to attend and comply with the testing protocols
You will not qualify if you...
- Inability or unwillingness to participate in post-operative rehabilitation (in person or virtual)
- Secondary complication of SCI (e.g., intractable neuropathic pain, edema, contracture) or major medical comorbidity (e.g., traumatic brain injury) that would independently influence response to surgery or ability to participate in rehabilitation
AI-Screening
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Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - 2.5 to 3 months
Participants are monitored for spontaneous upper limb motor recovery after injury before surgery.
Re-evaluation with electrodiagnostic testing at the end of this period
Duration - Surgery occurs 6 to 9 months after injury
Participants undergo nerve transfer surgery to restore upper-limb function.
1 surgical procedure
Duration - 24 months post-surgery
Participants are followed for outcome measurements and rehabilitation after surgery.
Outcome measurements every 3 months for 2 years post-operatively
Trial Site Locations
Total: 4 locations
1
GF Strong Rehabilitation Hospital
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, V5Z 2G9
Actively Recruiting
2
QEII Health Sciences Centre
Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, B3H 3A7
Actively Recruiting
3
Kingston Health Sciences Centre
Kingston, Ontario, Canada, K7L 5G2
Actively Recruiting
4
Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre
Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M4N 3M5
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
M
Michael Berger, MD, PhD
How is the study designed?
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Masking
N/A
Allocation
N/A
Model
N/A
Primary Purpose
N/A
Number of Arms
2
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