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Nerve Transfers Give Hope to People with Spinal Cord Injuries

What is a nerve transfer?

Nerve transfer surgery is a newer procedure that can improve movement in the elbows, wrists and hands after a cervical spinal cord injury. In people with spinal cord injury, the nerves leaving the spinal cord above the area of injury continue to work while the ones below may not. The person still has sensation and control over the muscles connected to the nerves above the injury. A surgeon connects an extra working nerve to a damaged nerve. The transferred nerve can grow down a new path and can carry a signal to tell the lower muscles to move. Nerve transfers expand treatment options for people. They can also be combined with traditional tendon transfers.

Treatment

A nerve transfer may help if:

  • a person has a cervical level spinal cord injury.
  • the size of the injured area is short.
  • the person still has some arm function.

Benefits

This surgery can help improve:

  • movements such as straightening the elbow and wrist.
  • opening and closing the hands.
  • completion of daily activities with more ease.

Surgical process and recovery

All surgeries are done under general anesthesia. You will stay in the hospital overnight. No splint or cast is needed. You can use your hand or arm right away for light activities. Weight-bearing activities and sports can be started about one to three months after surgery, depending on healing.

Appointments

To schedule an appointment with Ida K. Fox, MD, a reconstructive surgeon, please call 314-362-7388.