Nerve Transfer to Improve Function in High Level Tetraplegia

Restoration of function in patients with high tetraplegia has been an elusive clinical challenge. There is a critical need to find an effective reconstructive therapy/procedure which improves the upper extremity function in patients with high tetraplegia.

One pure motor nerve - spinal accessory nerve (SAN) remains a viable donor in high tetraplegia patients to successfully restore elbow flexion or extension. Elbow function can provide profound independence in mobility, ventilator management and may broaden the application of assistive therapies.

The two objectives of this study are:

• Determine if SAN nerve transfer surgery can improve the reinnervation of bicep or tricep muscles in high tetraplegia patients.

• Determine if SAN nerve transfer surgery can reanimate upper arm function and improve functional independence in patients with high tetraplegia.

Study Activities (including standard of care (SOC))

• Electrodiagnosis pre-op (SOC)

• Upper extremity maximum muscle testing (SOC)

• Questionnaires (SOC and study-related (SR))

• Exams by a study therapist (SR)

• Neurological exam - ISNCSCI - (SOC)

• Nerve Transfer Surgery to be determined by surgeon (SOC)

• Follow-up visits with surgeon at 6/12/18/24/36 and potentially 48 months

• post-op electrodiagnostic testing (SR)

• post-op upper extremity maximum muscle testing (SOC)

• post-op questionnaires

• post-op therapy exams (SR)