Nerve transfer surgery to enhance function in high tetraplegia

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of nerve transfer surgeries in improving upper extremity function and quality of life for patients with high cervical spinal cord injuries. Participants will undergo standard pre- and post-operative testing, complete questionnaires, and receive nerve transfer surgeries as part of their standard care. Follow-up assessments will occur at multiple intervals over a period of up to four years to monitor recovery and functional improvements. The study focuses on the spinal accessory nerve as a potential donor nerve to restore elbow function, which is crucial for independence in daily activities.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* 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

Exclusion Criteria:

* 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

Where it's running

• Stanford University
  Stanford, California, United States Recruiting
• University of Miami
  Miami, Florida, United States Recruiting
• Johns Hopkins University
  Baltimore, Maryland, United States Recruiting
• University of Michigan
  Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States Recruiting
• Washington University in St. Louis
  St Louis, Missouri, United States Recruiting
• Wake Forest Medical Center
  Winston-Salem, North Carolina, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Wilson Z. Ray, MD — Washington University School of Medicine
• Study coordinator: Linda Koester, BS
• Email: koesterl@wustl.edu
• Phone: 314-362-7368

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

• Improving hand function in cervical spinal cord injury with nerve transfers and electrical stimulation

  This study is testing if using electrical stimulation during and after nerve surgery can help people with cervical spinal cord injuries regain hand function and feel less pain.

  Recruiting Stanford University · Palo Alto, California · NCT06541041

• Using a brain-computer interface to help people with tetraplegia communicate

  This study is testing a new brain-computer interface to help people with tetraplegia communicate more easily using a tablet.

  Recruiting Massachusetts General Hospital · Boston, Massachusetts · NCT06511934

• MindEx multifocal cognitive brain‑machine interface for people with severe paralysis

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  Recruiting University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center · Dallas, Texas · NCT05936619

• Brain-controlled spinal cord stimulation for upper limb rehabilitation in cervical spinal cord injury

  This study is testing a new brain-controlled device to help people with cervical spinal cord injuries regain movement in their arms and hands.

  Recruiting Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne · Lausanne, Canton of Vaud · NCT05665998

• Low Volume Nose Breathing Exercises With an Incentive Spirometer for Cervical Spinal Cord Injury Patients

  This trial tests whether adding low-volume nose resistance breathing with an incentive spirometer to standard respiratory therapy helps people with cervical spinal cord injury breathe better.

  Recruiting Riphah International University · Lahore, Punjab Province · NCT07645027

• Connexus® Brain-Computer Interface to restore communication and device control

  This study will try the Connexus brain-computer interface to help people with severe loss of voluntary movement (for example from ALS, cervical spinal cord injury, or stroke) communicate and control computers.

  Recruiting at 3 sites Paradromics · Sacramento, California and 2 other locations · NCT07357428

How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.