Principal Investigator: Wendy M. Murray, PhD Project Staff: Garry E. Gold, MD; Vincent R. Hentz, MD; M. Elise Johanson, MS, PT; Zoia C. Lateva, PhD; Kevin C. McGill, PhD; Niels Smaby, MS; and Anca Velisar, MS Project Category: Spinal Cord Injury - 2004 Objective: This study will attempt to develop better biomechanical models for predicting the outcome of brachioradialis-to-flexor-pollicis-longus (Br-FPL) tendon transfer, a procedure that restores lateral pinch following tetraplegia. We hypothesize that the effectiveness of the transferred brachioradialis is impaired because of post-operative muscle adaptations and weakness of elbow and wrist extensors. The specific aim of this study is to characterize the structural and functional changes that take place in transferred muscle, and to more accurately model the impairments associated with the surgically altered tetraplegic limb. Research Plan: During this project period, we will use a nominal biomechanical model to define the maximum potential of the Br-FPL transfer to produce lateral pinch force, we will then determine the extent to which pre-operative weakness limits force production and identify post-operative changes to muscle and fiber architecture. We will also test the ability to fully activate the transferred brachioradialis during lateral pinch. All of these factors will be added to the biomechanical model better understand surgical outcomes. Work Accomplished: Funding commenced July 1, 2004. Our current effort is focused on recruiting subjects, developing means to test strength, and completing the computer simulations. Expected Outcome: This work will identify and characterize factors responsible for disappointing surgical outcomes, and this better understanding will lead to better treatment decisions. Funding Source: NIH Funding Status: Active |
