Surgery may give paralyzed patients a helping hand

NCT ID NCT04023591

Ongoing Disease control Sponsor: Washington University School of Medicine Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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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.

QUADRIPLEGIA FLACCID SPINAL CORD INJURIES TETRAPLEGIA

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

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