Improving surgical outcomes for muscle transfer in the arm
Official title: Intraoperative Optimization and Validation of Musculoskeletal Reconstruction
Funded at Edward Hines Jr VA Hospital · NIH-11056748 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how to make surgeries better for people with brachial plexus injuries by using a muscle from the thigh to help improve arm movement, and it will track how well this muscle works during and after the surgery to help doctors learn and improve their techniques.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Edward Hines Jr VA Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Hines, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2018 |
| Project end | December 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 5I01RX002462-08 |
| Project ID | NIH-11056748 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with brachial plexus injuries requiring muscle transfer surgery.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have brachial plexus injuries or those who are not candidates for muscle transfer surgery may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on enhancing the success of surgical procedures that involve transferring skeletal muscles, specifically for patients with brachial plexus injuries. The team will study the gracilis muscle, which is isolated and transplanted into the arm to help restore elbow function. By measuring the muscle's properties during surgery and comparing its predicted performance to actual outcomes over one and two years, the researchers aim to optimize surgical techniques and develop training tools for surgeons. This approach allows for a detailed understanding of muscle function in real-time during the operation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved surgical techniques that enhance recovery and functionality for patients undergoing muscle transfer surgeries.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in optimizing surgical techniques for muscle transfer, but this specific approach is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
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Edward Hines Jr VA Hospital
Hines, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lieber, Richard L. — Edward Hines Jr VA Hospital
- Study coordinator: Lieber, Richard L.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.