NOVEL STRATEGIES FOR ENHANCING UPPER LIMB FUNCTION AFTER CERVICAL SPINAL CORD INJURY

Tetraplegia after a cervical spinal cord injury (C-SCI) often result in lifelong dependence.

Tendon transfer surgery has proven successful in restoring grip functions, which improves autonomy, but with a restricted passive hand opening. Nerve transfers is a new attractive option to further improve hand function by enabling active hand opening.

Centre for Advanced Reconstruction of Extremities (C.A.R.E.) at Sahlgrenska University Hospital has developed a strategy in which a nerve transfer procedure aiming to restore hand opening is done prior to grip reconstruction.

To date, no study has compared the efficacy of this combined nerve and tendon transfer (CNaTT) procedure to grip reconstruction by means of tendon transfer alone, thus constituting a major gap in the literature.

The purpose of this pilot study is to determine the feasibility of a new treatment algorithm for surgical reconstruction of individuals with paralysis due to cervical spinal cord injuries (C-SCIs), and to complete the methodologic development within the scope of the study to assure accurate, valid and reliable clinical data.

More specifically, the goals with the planned project activities are to refine the CNaTT procedures; retrieve clinical assessment data to be used to estimate the number of patients needed in a future clinical study; generate study hypotheses and to increase the national recruitment of patients ahead of an application for a research environment grant within clinical research therapy.