Nerve Transfer Strategies for Spinal Cord Injury

BACKGROUND: Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a devastating condition, which beleaguers its victims with long-term health issues. Nerve transfer is a feasible option for restoration of critical limb function in patients with SCI that potentially improves independence and quality of life. METHODS: This article delineates the general principles of nerve transfer and its specific application pertinent to SCI. The available nerve transfer strategies are described based on the targeted limb function, mostly involving critical upper extremity function. The role of nerve transfer for paraplegia, diaphragm reanimation, and bladder reinnervation is also discussed. RESULTS: Nerve transfer offers several advantages over the traditionally used tendon transfer. CONCLUSIONS: Nerve transfer does not require prolonged immobilization and provides greater functional gain for a given transfer. Reconstruction of several facets of upper limb function potentially can be performed in a single stage. The merits of nerve transfer deserve further study to evaluate its value for spinal cord injury in humans.