Nerve Transfer After Spinal Cord Injuries (NCT01714349) | Clinical Trial Compass
CompletedNot Applicable
Nerve Transfer After Spinal Cord Injuries
United States20 participantsStarted 2012-10
Plain-language summary
Nerve Transfer surgery can provide improved hand function following cervical spinal cord injuries
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years – 65 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion criteria
. 18-65 years of age
. Informed Consent Document (ICD) signed by patient
. Cervical spinal cord injury resulting in arm \& hand functional impairment, with at least preserved elbow function
. International Classification of Surgery of the Hand in Tetraplegia (ICSHT) category 0 - 4
. Patients with a stable American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) grade of A, B, or C, or with a diagnosis of central cord syndrome, showing minimal to no evidence of functional improvement in motor examination after at least 6 months of non-operative therapy post-injury
. Appropriate candidate for nerve transfer study
. Willing and able to comply with the study protocol
. \< 48 months from injury
Exclusion criteria
. Active infection at the operative site or systemic infection
. Any return or ongoing clinical recovery of distal motor function within 6 months after injury
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1This trial studied nerve transfer surgery to improve upper limb strength after spinal cord injury — is that type of surgery something that could realistically be considered for my level and type of injury, and what would make someone a good or poor candidate for it?
2Since this trial has already been completed and was measuring changes in upper motor strength, has my doctor seen or reviewed the results, and what do those findings suggest about how much functional improvement patients actually experienced?
3Nerve transfer is a surgical procedure, so what are the specific risks involved, and how do those risks compare to not having surgery or pursuing other rehabilitation approaches for my situation?
4How does the timing after a spinal cord injury affect whether nerve transfer surgery might work — is there a window where it's more likely to help, and where am I in relation to that window right now?
5Are there other completed or ongoing trials, or standard-of-care options, that my doctor would recommend I consider alongside or instead of this nerve transfer approach before making any decisions?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.