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.
This study seeks to evaluate the efficacy of nerve transfers in restoring hand function in patients with cervical spinal injuries.