Nerve Transfer to Improve Function in High Level Tetraplegia
The goal of this observational study is to determine if nerve transfer surgeries improve upper extremity function and quality of life in patients with a high level cervical spinal cord injury.

Participants will:

undergo standard of care pre- and post-op testing and study exams
complete pre- and post-questionnaires
undergo standard of care nerve transfer surgeries
follow-up with surgeon at 6/12/18/24/36 and potentially at 48 months
attend therapy at local therapist for up to 2 years postop.
- EligibilityCriteria: 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 - HealthyVolunteers: No - Gender: All - MinimumAge: 18 Years - MaximumAge: 80 Years - StdAgeList: Adult, Older Adult - StudyPopulation: Patients with high-level SCI injury (C1-C4) with complete lack of upper extremity function. Occurrence of injury should be greater than 6 months but fewer than 60 months - SamplingMethod: Non-Probability Sample