Nerve transfer for upper extremity reanimation in people with spinal cord injury: A 2-year follow-up case series

Abstract

Objective: To describe the 2-year functional outcomes of nerve transfer (NT) for upper extremity reanimation.

Study design: A prospective case series.

Setting: A highly specialized rehabilitation hospital for spinal cord injury (SCI) in Italy.

Intervention: Upper limb nerve transfer (32 NTs, 15 upper limbs).

Participants: Twelve male individuals with traumatic SCI (AIS A or B, neurological level from C4 to C7) were enrolled; 24-month follow-up data were available for 11.

Outcome measures: We evaluated the strength recovery of recipient muscles through the Medical Research Council (MRC) Scale for Muscle Strength. Upper limb function and independence were assessed with the Graded Redefined Assessment of Strength Sensibility and Prehension (GRASSP) test version 1 and the Spinal Cord Independent Measure III (SCIM III). Patient satisfaction was also evaluated.

Results: After 24 months, median MRC scores (range) were: triceps 2 (1-2); extensor digitorum communis 3 (1-4); extensor pollicis longus 2.5 (1-4); flexor digitorum profundus 2 (0-4); flexor pollicis longus 2 (0-4). No complication occurred. GRASSP prehension ability and prehension performance total scores significantly improved at 24 months from 1 (0-4) to 2 (0-7) and from 1 (0-8) to 5 (0--22), respectively. The SCIM III self-care sub-scale score improved at 24-month follow-up (p = 0.009).This study has important limitations, including a limited generalizability of the results and a small sample size that does not allow definitive conclusions to be drawn. A large multicenter prospective study is needed to confirm our findings.

Conclusions: NT represents a functional surgery option with few complications for the resuscitation of upper limbs in persons with tetraplegia.

Keywords: Nerve transfer; Peripheral nerve surgery; Rehabilitation; Spinal cord injury.