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Javeed S, Zhang JK, Greenberg JK, Botterbush K, Benedict B, Plog B, Gupta VP, Dibble CF, Khalifeh JM, Wen H, Chen Y, Park Y, Belzberg A, Tuffaha S, Burks SS, Levi AD, Zager EL, Faraji AH, Mahan MA, Midha R, Wilson TJ, Juknis N, Ray WZ. Impact of Upper Limb Motor Recovery on Functional Independence After Traumatic Low Cervical Spinal Cord Injury. J Neurotrauma 2024; 41:1211-1222. [PMID: 38062795 DOI: 10.1089/neu.2023.0140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Cervical spinal cord injury (SCI) causes devastating loss of upper limb function and independence. Restoration of upper limb function can have a profound impact on independence and quality of life. In low-cervical SCI (level C5-C8), upper limb function can be restored via reinnervation strategies such as nerve transfer surgery. The translation of recovered upper limb motor function into functional independence in activities of daily living (ADLs), however, remains unknown in low cervical SCI (i.e., tetraplegia). The objective of this study was to evaluate the association of patterns in upper limb motor recovery with functional independence in ADLs. This will then inform prioritization of reinnervation strategies focused to maximize function in patients with tetraplegia. This retrospective study performed a secondary analysis of patients with low cervical (C5-C8) enrolled in the SCI Model Systems (SCIMS) database. Baseline neurological examinations and their association with functional independence in major ADLs-i.e., eating, bladder management, and transfers (bed/wheelchair/chair)-were evaluated. Motor functional recovery was defined as achieving motor strength, in modified research council (MRC) grade, of ≥ 3 /5 at one year from ≤ 2/5 at baseline. The association of motor function recovery with functional independence at one-year follow-up was compared in patients with recovered elbow flexion (C5), wrist extension (C6), elbow extension (C7), and finger flexion (C8). A multi-variable logistic regression analysis, adjusting for known factors influencing recovery after SCI, was performed to evaluate the impact of motor function at one year on a composite outcome of functional independence in major ADLs. Composite outcome was defined as functional independence measure score of 6 or higher (complete independence) in at least two domains among eating, bladder management, and transfers. Between 1992 and 2016, 1090 patients with low cervical SCI and complete neurological/functional measures were included. At baseline, 67% of patients had complete SCI and 33% had incomplete SCI. The majority of patients were dependent in eating, bladder management, and transfers. At one-year follow-up, the largest proportion of patients who recovered motor function in finger flexion (C8) and elbow extension (C7) gained independence in eating, bladder management, and transfers. In multi-variable analysis, patients who had recovered finger flexion (C8) or elbow extension (C7) had higher odds of gaining independence in a composite of major ADLs (odds ratio [OR] = 3.13 and OR = 2.87, respectively, p < 0.001). Age 60 years (OR = 0.44, p = 0.01), and complete SCI (OR = 0.43, p = 0.002) were associated with reduced odds of gaining independence in ADLs. After cervical SCI, finger flexion (C8) and elbow extension (C7) recovery translate into greater independence in eating, bladder management, and transfers. These results can be used to design individualized reinnervation plans to reanimate upper limb function and maximize independence in patients with low cervical SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saad Javeed
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Justin K Zhang
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Jacob K Greenberg
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Kathleen Botterbush
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Braeden Benedict
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Benjamin Plog
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Vivek P Gupta
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Christopher F Dibble
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Jawad M Khalifeh
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Huacong Wen
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Yuying Chen
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Yikyung Park
- Division of Public Health Sciences, Department of Surgery, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Allan Belzberg
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Sami Tuffaha
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Stephen Shelby Burks
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Miami School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Allan D Levi
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Miami School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Eric L Zager
- Department of Neurosurgery, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Amir H Faraji
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Mark A Mahan
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Rajiv Midha
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Calgary, Foothills Medical Centre, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Thomas J Wilson
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford University, Palo Alto, California, USA
| | - Neringa Juknis
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Wilson Z Ray
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
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Berger MJ, Dengler J, Westman A, Curt A, Schubert M, Abel R, Weidner N, Röhrich F, Fox IK. Nerve Transfer After Cervical Spinal Cord Injury: Who Has a "Time Sensitive" Injury Based on Electrodiagnostic Findings? Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2024; 105:682-689. [PMID: 37979641 DOI: 10.1016/j.apmr.2023.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/20/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To use the ulnar compound muscle action potential (CMAP) to abductor digiti minimi (ADM) to identify the proportion of individuals with cervical spinal cord injury (SCI) who have lower motor neuron (LMN) abnormalities involving the C8-T1 spinal nerve roots, within 3-6 months, and thus may influence the response to nerve transfer surgery. DESIGN Retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data. Data were analyzed from European Multicenter Study About SCI database. SETTING Multi-center, academic hospitals. PARTICIPANTS We included 79 subjects (age=41.4±17.7, range:16-75; 59 men; N=79), who were classified as cervical level injuries 2 weeks after injury and who had manual muscle strength examinations that would warrant consideration for nerve transfer (C5≥4, C8<3). INTERVENTIONS None. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The ulnar nerve CMAP amplitude to ADM was used as a proxy measure for C8-T1 spinal segment health. CMAP amplitude was stratified into very abnormal (<1.0 mV), sub-normal (1.0-5.9 mV), and normal (>6.0 mV). Analysis took place at 3 (n=148 limbs) and 6 months (n=145 limbs). RESULTS At 3- and 6-month post-injury, 33.1% and 28.3% of limbs had very abnormal CMAP amplitudes, respectively, while in 54.1% and 51.7%, CMAPs were sub-normal. Median change in amplitude from 3 to 6 months was 0.0 mV for very abnormal and 1.0 mV for subnormal groups. A 3-month ulnar CMAP <1 mV had a positive predictive value of 0.73 (95% CI 0.69-0.76) and 0.78 (95% CI 0.75-0.80) for C8 and T1 muscle strength of 0 vs 1 or 2. CONCLUSION A high proportion of individuals have ulnar CMAPs below the lower limit of normal 3- and 6-month post cervical SCI and may also have intercurrent LMN injury. Failure to identify individuals with LMN denervation could result in a lost opportunity to improve hand function through timely nerve transfer surgeries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J Berger
- International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries (ICORD), Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; Division of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
| | - Jana Dengler
- Division of Plastic Surgery, Tory Trauma Program, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Ontario; Division of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario
| | - Amanda Westman
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
| | - Armin Curt
- Spinal Cord Injury Center, Balgrist University Hospital, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Martin Schubert
- Spinal Cord Injury Center, Balgrist University Hospital, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Norbert Weidner
- Spinal Cord Injury Center, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Frank Röhrich
- BG Klinikum Bergmannstrost, Zentrum für Rückenmarkverletzte und Klinik für Orthopädie, Halle, Germany
| | - Ida K Fox
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
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Berger MJ, Adewuyi AA, Doherty C, Hanlan AK, Morin C, O'Connor R, Sharma R, Sproule S, Swong KN, Wu H, Franz CK, Brown E. Segmental infralesional pathological spontaneous activity in subacute traumatic spinal cord injury. Muscle Nerve 2024; 69:403-408. [PMID: 38294062 DOI: 10.1002/mus.28053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 01/13/2024] [Accepted: 01/21/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION/AIMS There is a dearth of knowledge regarding the status of infralesional lower motor neurons (LMNs) in individuals with traumatic cervical spinal cord injury (SCI), yet there is a growing need to understand how the spinal lesion impacts LMNs caudal to the lesion epicenter, especially in the context of nerve transfer surgery to restore several key upper limb functions. Our objective was to determine the frequency of pathological spontaneous activity (PSA) at, and below, the level of spinal injury, to gain an understanding of LMN health below the spinal lesion. METHODS Ninety-one limbs in 57 individuals (53 males, mean age = 44.4 ± 16.9 years, mean duration from injury = 3.4 ± 1.4 months, 32 with motor complete injuries), were analyzed. Analysis was stratified by injury level as (1) C4 and above, (2) C5, and (3) C6-7. Needle electromyography was performed on representative muscles innervated by the C5-6, C6-7, C7-8, and C8-T1 nerve roots. PSA was dichotomized as present or absent. Data were pooled for the most caudal infralesional segment (C8-T1). RESULTS A high frequency of PSA was seen in all infralesional segments. The pooled frequency of PSA for all injury levels at C8-T1 was 68.7% of the limbs tested. There was also evidence of PSA at the rostral border of the neurological level of injury, with 58.3% of C5-6 muscles in those with C5-level injuries. DISCUSSION These data support a high prevalence of infralesional LMN abnormalities following SCI, which has implications to nerve transfer candidacy, timing of the intervention, and donor nerve options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J Berger
- International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries (ICORD), Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Division of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Vancouver Coastal Health Authority, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Adenike A Adewuyi
- Regenerative Neurorehabilitation Laboratory, Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Ken & Ruth Davee Department of Neurology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Christopher Doherty
- Vancouver Coastal Health Authority, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Division of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Amy K Hanlan
- Division of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Vancouver Coastal Health Authority, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Cynthia Morin
- Division of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Russ O'Connor
- Division of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Vancouver Coastal Health Authority, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Radhika Sharma
- Regenerative Neurorehabilitation Laboratory, Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Shannon Sproule
- Division of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Kevin N Swong
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Harvey Wu
- International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries (ICORD), Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Colin K Franz
- Regenerative Neurorehabilitation Laboratory, Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Ken & Ruth Davee Department of Neurology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Erin Brown
- Vancouver Coastal Health Authority, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Division of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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Bateman EA, Larocerie-Salgado J, Ross DC, Miller TA, Pripotnev S. Assessment, patient selection, and rehabilitation of nerve transfers. FRONTIERS IN REHABILITATION SCIENCES 2023; 4:1267433. [PMID: 38058570 PMCID: PMC10696649 DOI: 10.3389/fresc.2023.1267433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
Peripheral nerve injuries are common and can have a devastating effect on physical, psychological, and socioeconomic wellbeing. Peripheral nerve transfers have become the standard of care for many types of peripheral nerve injury due to their superior outcomes relative to conventional techniques. As the indications for, and use of, nerve transfers expand, the importance of pre-operative assessment and post-operative optimization increases. There are two principal advantages of nerve transfers: (1) their ability to shorten the time to reinnervation of muscles undergoing denervation because of peripheral nerve injury; and (2) their specificity in ensuring proximal motor and sensory axons are directed towards appropriate motor and sensory targets. Compared to conventional nerve grafting, nerve transfers offer opportunities to reinnervate muscles affected by cervical spinal cord injury and to augment natural reinnervation potential for very proximal injuries. This article provides a narrative review of the current scientific knowledge and clinical understanding of nerve transfers including peripheral nerve injury assessment and pre- and post-operative electrodiagnostic testing, adjuvant therapies, and post-operative rehabilitation for optimizing nerve transfer outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma A. Bateman
- Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
- Parkwood Institute, St Joseph’s Health Care London, London, ON, Canada
| | | | - Douglas C. Ross
- Roth McFarlane Hand & Upper Limb Centre, St Joseph’s Health Care London, London, ON, Canada
- Division of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Thomas A. Miller
- Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
- Parkwood Institute, St Joseph’s Health Care London, London, ON, Canada
| | - Stahs Pripotnev
- Roth McFarlane Hand & Upper Limb Centre, St Joseph’s Health Care London, London, ON, Canada
- Division of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
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Schibli S, Fridén J. [Surgical reconstruction of arm and hand functions in tetraplegia : Current concepts]. UNFALLCHIRURGIE (HEIDELBERG, GERMANY) 2023; 126:774-777. [PMID: 37676291 DOI: 10.1007/s00113-023-01361-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023]
Abstract
The reconstruction of arm and hand functions is of enormous importance for tetraplegic patients as it enables at least some degree of independence. Depending on the level of the spinal cord injury, certain residual functions are present in the arms which can be used for surgical reconstruction of upper extremity functions. By utilizing tendon and nerve transfers missing functions can at least be partially reconstructed. Tendon transfers are a proven technique with reliable results that can be performed at any time regardless of the type of accident. Due to the frequent presence of lower motor neuron damage, it is essential to consider the optimal time window for nerve transfer interventions. From the multitude of surgical options, an individual reconstruction plan must be created for each patient, which considers multiple factors. The combination of nerve transfers and later completing the functional reconstruction by tendon transfers is the preferred concept of the authors of this article.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Schibli
- Schweizer Paraplegiker-Zentrum, Guido A. Zäch-Str. 1, 6207, Nottwil, Schweiz.
| | - Jan Fridén
- Schweizer Paraplegiker-Zentrum, Guido A. Zäch-Str. 1, 6207, Nottwil, Schweiz
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6
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Reshamwala R, Shah M. Regenerative Approaches in the Nervous System. Regen Med 2023. [DOI: 10.1007/978-981-19-6008-6_11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
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7
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Javeed S, Greenberg JK, Zhang JK, Dibble CF, Khalifeh JM, Liu Y, Wilson TJ, Yang LJ, Park Y, Ray WZ. Derivation and Validation of a Clinical Prediction Rule for Upper Limb Functional Outcomes After Traumatic Cervical Spinal Cord Injury. JAMA Netw Open 2022; 5:e2247949. [PMID: 36542381 PMCID: PMC9857030 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.47949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Traumatic cervical spinal cord injury (SCI) can result in debilitating paralysis. Following cervical SCI, accurate early prediction of upper limb recovery can serve an important role in guiding the appropriateness and timing of reconstructive therapies. OBJECTIVE To develop a clinical prediction rule to prognosticate upper limb functional recovery after cervical SCI. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS This prognostic study was a retrospective review of a longitudinal cohort study including patients enrolled in the National SCI model systems (SCIMS) database in US. Eligible patients were 15 years or older with tetraplegia (neurological level of injury C1-C8, American Spinal Cord Injury Association [ASIA] impairment scale [AIS] A-D), with early (within 1 month of SCI) and late (1-year follow-up) clinical examinations from 2011 to 2016. The data analysis was conducted from September 2021 to June 2022. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES The primary outcome was a composite of dependency in eating, bladder management, transfers, and locomotion domains of functional independence measure at 1-year follow-up. Each domain ranges from 1 to 7 with a lower score indicating greater functional dependence. Composite dependency was defined as a score of 4 or higher in at least 3 chosen domains. Multivariable logistic regression was used to predict the outcome based on early neurological variables. Discrimination was quantified using C statistics, and model performance was internally validated with bootstrapping and 10-fold cross-validation. The performance of the prediction score was compared with AIS grading. Data were split into derivation (2011-2014) and temporal-validation (2015-2016) cohorts. RESULTS Among 2373 patients with traumatic cervical SCI, 940 had complete 1-year outcome data (237 patients [25%] aged 60 years or older; 753 men [80%]). The primary outcome was present in 118 patients (13%), which included 92 men (78%), 83 (70%) patients who were younger than 60 years, and 73 (62%) patients experiencing AIS grade A SCI. The variables significantly associated with the outcome were age (age 60 years or older: OR, 2.31; 95% CI, 1.26-4.19), sex (men: OR, 0.60; 95% CI, 0.31-1.17), light-touch sensation at C5 (OR, 0.44; 95% CI, 0.44-1.01) and C8 (OR, 036; 95% CI, 0.24-0.53) dermatomes, and motor scores of the elbow flexors (C5) (OR, 0.74; 95% CI, 0.60-0.89) and wrist extensors (C6) (OR, 0.61; 95% CI, 0.49-0.75). A multivariable model including these variables had excellent discrimination in distinguishing dependent from independent patients in the temporal-validation cohort (C statistic, 0.90; 95% CI, 0.88-0.93). A clinical prediction score (range, 0 to 45 points) was developed based on these measures, with higher scores increasing the probability of dependency. The discrimination of the prediction score was significantly higher than from AIS grading (change in AUC, 0.14; 95% CI, 0.10-0.18; P < .001). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE The findings of this study suggest that this prediction rule may help prognosticate upper limb function following cervical SCI. This tool can be used to set patient expectations, rehabilitation goals, and aid decision-making regarding the appropriateness and timing for upper limb reconstructive surgeries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saad Javeed
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Jacob K. Greenberg
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Justin K. Zhang
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri
| | | | - Jawad M. Khalifeh
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Ying Liu
- Division of Public Health Sciences, Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri
| | - Thomas J. Wilson
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford University, Stanford, California
| | - Lynda J. Yang
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Michigan School of Medicine, Ann Arbor
| | - Yikyung Park
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Wilson Z. Ray
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri
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Javeed S, Dibble CF, Greenberg JK, Zhang JK, Khalifeh JM, Park Y, Wilson TJ, Zager EL, Faraji AH, Mahan MA, Yang LJ, Midha R, Juknis N, Ray WZ. Upper Limb Nerve Transfer Surgery in Patients With Tetraplegia. JAMA Netw Open 2022; 5:e2243890. [PMID: 36441549 PMCID: PMC9706368 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.43890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Cervical spinal cord injury (SCI) causes devastating loss of upper extremity function and independence. Nerve transfers are a promising approach to reanimate upper limbs; however, there remains a paucity of high-quality evidence supporting a clinical benefit for patients with tetraplegia. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the clinical utility of nerve transfers for reanimation of upper limb function in tetraplegia. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS In this prospective case series, adults with cervical SCI and upper extremity paralysis whose recovery plateaued were enrolled between September 1, 2015, and January 31, 2019. Data analysis was performed from August 2021 to February 2022. INTERVENTIONS Nerve transfers to reanimate upper extremity motor function with target reinnervation of elbow extension and hand grasp, pinch, and/or release. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES The primary outcome was motor strength measured by Medical Research Council (MRC) grades 0 to 5. Secondary outcomes included Sollerman Hand Function Test (SHFT); Michigan Hand Outcome Questionnaire (MHQ); Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH); and 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) physical component summary (PCS) and mental component summary (MCS) scores. Outcomes were assessed up to 48 months postoperatively. RESULTS Twenty-two patients with tetraplegia (median age, 36 years [range, 18-76 years]; 21 male [95%]) underwent 60 nerve transfers on 35 upper limbs at a median time of 21 months (range, 6-142 months) after SCI. At final follow-up, upper limb motor strength improved significantly: median MRC grades were 3 (IQR, 2.5-4; P = .01) for triceps, with 70% of upper limbs gaining an MRC grade of 3 or higher for elbow extension; 4 (IQR, 2-4; P < .001) for finger extensors, with 79% of hands gaining an MRC grade of 3 or higher for finger extension; and 2 (IQR, 1-3; P < .001) for finger flexors, with 52% of hands gaining an MRC grade of 3 or higher for finger flexion. The secondary outcomes of SHFT, MHQ, DASH, and SF36-PCS scores improved beyond the established minimal clinically important difference. Both early (<12 months) and delayed (≥12 months) nerve transfers after SCI achieved comparable motor outcomes. Continual improvement in motor strength was observed in the finger flexors and extensors across the entire duration of follow-up. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE In this prospective case series, nerve transfer surgery was associated with improvement of upper limb motor strength and functional independence in patients with tetraplegia. Nerve transfer is a promising intervention feasible in both subacute and chronic SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saad Javeed
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Washington University, St Louis, Missouri
| | | | - Jacob K. Greenberg
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Washington University, St Louis, Missouri
| | - Justin K. Zhang
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Washington University, St Louis, Missouri
| | - Jawad M. Khalifeh
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Yikyung Park
- Division of Public Health Sciences, Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri
| | - Thomas J. Wilson
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford University, Stanford, California
| | - Eric L. Zager
- Department of Neurosurgery, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
| | - Amir H. Faraji
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, Texas
| | - Mark A. Mahan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Clinical Neurosciences Center, The University of Utah, Salt Lake City
| | - Lynda J. Yang
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Michigan School of Medicine, Ann Arbor
| | - Rajiv Midha
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Neringa Juknis
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Washington University, St Louis, Missouri
| | - Wilson Z. Ray
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Washington University, St Louis, Missouri
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Berger MJ, Adewuyi AA, Fox IK, Franz CK. Clinical electrodiagnostic evaluation for nerve transfer surgery in spinal cord injury: a new indication and clinical pearls. J Neurophysiol 2022; 128:847-853. [PMID: 36043801 PMCID: PMC10190829 DOI: 10.1152/jn.00289.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Revised: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
In this review, we highlight the important role of the clinical electrodiagnostic (EDX) evaluation after cervical spinal cord injury (SCI). Our discussion focuses on the need for timely, frequent, and accurate EDX evaluations in the context of nerve transfer surgery to restore critical upper limb functions, including elbow extension, hand opening, and hand closing. The EDX evaluation is crucial to define the extent of lower motor neuron lesions and determine candidacy for surgery. We also discuss the important role of the postoperative EDX evaluation in determining prognosis and supporting rehabilitation. We propose a practical framework for EDX evaluation in this clinical setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J Berger
- International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries (ICORD), Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Division of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Adenike A Adewuyi
- Regenerative Neurorehabilitation Laboratory, Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, Chicago, Illinois
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
- Ken & Ruth Davee Department of Neurology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Ida K Fox
- Division of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri
| | - Colin K Franz
- Regenerative Neurorehabilitation Laboratory, Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, Chicago, Illinois
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
- Ken & Ruth Davee Department of Neurology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
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Manna M, Mortenson WB, Kardeh B, Douglas S, Marks C, Krauss EM, Berger MJ. Patient perspectives and self-rated knowledge of nerve transfer surgery for restoring upper limb function in spinal cord injury. PM R 2022; 15:579-586. [PMID: 35352495 DOI: 10.1002/pmrj.12811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Revised: 02/06/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nerve transfer surgery has the potential to restore upper limb function in patients with spinal cord injury (SCI); however, there has been limited exploration of patient perception of nerve transfer. OBJECTIVE To explore the perspectives of patients with chronic SCI (>2 years from injury) on nerve transfer surgery, and to determine if an educational intervention improved participants' perceived knowledge levels about the procedure. DESIGN Mixed-methods study including qualitative semi-structured interviews and self-reported rating scales. Pre- and post-interviews were completed following an educational presentation. SETTING Two local SCI clinics. PARTICIPANTS Ten patients with chronic traumatic SCI and neurological level of injury C3-C7 (motor complete or incomplete), recruited via snowball sampling (six male, four female). INTERVENTION An educational slide presentation on nerve transfer concepts. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The primary study outcome measure is the participants' responses to interview questions. The secondary study outcome measure is their self-reported knowledge levels of nerve transfer before and after education. RESULTS Regaining upper limb function was a priority for all participants. Although most participants had heard of nerve transfer, none were offered it at the time of their SCI, and only two stated that they had any peers who had undergone the procedure. The educational module significantly increased self-rated scores on understanding of nerve transfer (p < .05). Although all participants were open to nerve transfer after the educational module, they described weighing different factors, including (1) potential for loss versus gain of function, (2) inadequate knowledge about nerve transfer, (3) recovery time, and (4) determining their eligibility for the surgery. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that people with SCI have limited understanding of nerve transfer as a potential option and would benefit from educational opportunities to help them make informed decisions. This study may inform the development of patient resources to improve pre-surgical consultation and informed decision-making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariam Manna
- Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - W Ben Mortenson
- Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries (ICORD),Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; GF Strong Rehabilitation Research Program, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Bahareh Kardeh
- Graduate Program in Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; Rehabilitation Research Program, GF Strong Rehabilitation Research Program, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Sam Douglas
- University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Chris Marks
- Praxis Spinal Cord Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Emily M Krauss
- Division of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of British Columbia, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Michael J Berger
- International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries (ICORD), Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; Division of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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