Nerve transfer surgery to improve arm function after spinal cord injury
Nerve Transfer Surgery to Restore Upper-limb Function After Ceervical Spinal Cord Injury
This study is testing if nerve transfer surgery can help people with cervical spinal cord injuries improve their arm function and independence compared to those who don’t have the surgery.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 70 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of British Columbia Academic / other |
| Locations | 4 sites (Vancouver, British Columbia and 3 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT05638191 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational study aims to evaluate the functional and motor outcomes of nerve transfer surgery in individuals with cervical spinal cord injuries at the C5-C7 level. Participants will undergo rigorous pre-operative assessments and standardized rehabilitation, with their outcomes compared to a matched cohort who did not receive the surgery. The study will also develop a predictive model for nerve transfer outcomes based on pre-operative clinical and neurophysiological characteristics. Outcome measures include strength assessments and independence measures over a 24-month period.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals with motor complete spinal cord injuries (AIS A or B) between the C5 and C8 levels who can provide informed consent.
Not a fit: Patients with uncontrolled medical conditions or unmanaged complications related to their spinal cord injury may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly enhance upper limb function in patients with cervical spinal cord injuries.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in nerve transfer techniques for improving function in similar patient populations, indicating a potential for success in this approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Motor complete (AIS A or B) between neurological level of injury C5 and C8 * Able to provide informed written consent * Able to attend and comply with the testing protocols * Able to understand and speak English or have access to an appropriate interpreter as judged by the investigator. Exclusion Criteria: * An uncontrolled medical condition (e.g. uncontrolled cardiovascular disease, diabetes, kidney or liver disease) * Have ever received botulinum toxin injections (Botox) for tone management in the upper limb * An unmanaged secondary complication of SCI including but not limited to uncontrolled neuropathic pain or spasticity, syringomyelia, fracture, urinary tract infection or significant pressure ulcer, preventing participation in testing
Where this trial is running
Vancouver, British Columbia and 3 other locations
- GF Strong Rehabilitation Hospital — Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada (Recruiting)
- QEII Health Sciences Centre — Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada (Not_yet_recruiting)
- Kingston Health Sciences Centre — Kingston, Ontario, Canada (Not_yet_recruiting)
- Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre — Toronto, Ontario, Canada (Not_yet_recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Michael Berger, MD, PHD — University of British Columbia
- Study coordinator: Michael Berger, MD, PhD
- Email: michael.berger@vch.ca
- Phone: 778-990-7615
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.