Nerve transfer surgery for patients with spinal cord injury (SCI) is an emergent practice for upper extremity reconstruction currently being implemented in a few clinical settings around the world. In 2019, we implemented an interdisciplinary clinic for upper extremity care in tetraplegic patients. Since the beginning of this collaboration, thirteen patients underwent nerve transfer surgery and followed a specific two-year rehabilitation protocol.
Presentation objectives:
To present pre-surgery to post-rehabilitation data
To review the rehabilitation protocol
To reflect on future implications and improvements of the clinical model
To discuss possible collaborations regarding this approach throughout Canada
Thirteen patients underwent a surgical reconstruction of their upper extremity. They followed a rehabilitation process with occupational therapists and physiotherapists. So far, eight patients have completed their two-year rehabilitation process. Routine outcome assessments were collected at 0, 6, 12, 24 months following the surgery.
Twenty-four arms were operated, for a total of 51 nerve transfers. We will present our epidemiological data, details of the surgeries and results on hand opening, grip and pinch strength, functional testing, as well as satisfaction questionnaires.
Nerve transfer surgery is an exciting and innovative technique for our SCI patients. An interdisciplinary setting is the key to success. Our data shows that this surgery, well planned and accompanied by proper rehabilitation, is a promising avenue to improve upper extremity function in people with cervical spinal cord injury.
