Surgery may give paralyzed patients a helping hand

NCT ID NCT04023591

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study tests whether nerve transfer surgery can improve arm and hand function in people with complete spinal cord injuries who have no hand movement. Seventy participants will undergo surgery followed by 48 months of occupational therapy. The goal is to help them regain independence and quality of life.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

nerve transfer surgery

What this could lead to

If successful, this surgery could restore meaningful arm and hand function in people with paralysis, helping them perform daily tasks and live more independently.

What could go wrong

This is a small, early-stage study with only 70 participants, and results may not apply to everyone. Surgery carries risks like infection or nerve damage, and recovery requires years of therapy.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

quadriplegia spinal cord injury

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Alberta Health Services - Foothills Medical Center

    Calgary, Alberta, T2N 2T9, Canada

  • Houston Methodist

    Houston, Texas, 77030, United States

  • Stanford University

    Stanford, California, 94305, United States

  • University of Alberta

    Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2E1, Canada

  • University of Miami

    Miami, Florida, 33136, United States

  • University of Michigan

    Ann Arbor, Michigan, 48109, United States

  • University of Pennsylvania

    Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19104, United States

  • University of Utah

    Salt Lake City, Utah, 84132, United States

  • Washington University

    St Louis, Missouri, 63110, United States