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2.9. Nerve Transfer To Restore Hand Function

Nerve Transfer to Restore Hand Function- C6/7 Spinal Cord Injury

Cervical level spinal cord injury can significantly affect hand function. Depending on the level and type of injury, surgery to improve hand and arm function may be an option. Surgical treatment may include nerve transfers or other procedures.

This nerve transfer surgery can only benefit patients with specific types of spinal cord injury. To be eligible, a patient must have quadriplegia with a motor level C6 or C7 spinal cord injury. Because the procedure relies on working nerves above the C6 and C7 level, it will not benefit patients with higher level cervical spinal cord injuries. The goal of the procedure is to restore hand function with the ability to pinch the thumb and index finger.