Focused on restoring upper limb function in individuals with cervical SCI, Dr. Mike Berger of UBC and ICORD was awarded a $50,000 CAD Praxis grant to expand data collection at additional study sites to the existing pilot study on nerve transfer surgery for cervical SCI. This pilot study is the largest multi-centre clinical trial of nerve transfer surgery for cervical SCI, with centres in Vancouver, Toronto, Kingston, and Halifax.
“Funding from Praxis is fundamental to our effort to demonstrate the effectiveness of nerve transfer surgery for people with spinal cord injury and to make sure that the surgery is offered in a timely fashion, for the right person. This technique has the power to restore critical hand functions, like doing buttons, picking things up and teeth brushing, which is a “gamechanger” for people with spinal cord injuries.” Dr. Mike Berger.
Praxis’ early investment helped establish the foundation needed to evaluate the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of nerve transfer surgery, while comparing outcomes between patients who received the procedure and those who did not. That support also positioned the team to secure approximately CAD $400,000 in additional funding from Wings for Life, allowing researchers to expand and accelerate.
But the impact extends beyond funding. Praxis is helping connect researchers, clinicians and specialized centres across Canada to generate evidence needed to inform practice and improve access to care. Through shared data collection, advanced electrodiagnostic techniques and coordinated clinical pathways, the project is building the infrastructure required to identify who may benefit most from nerve transfer surgery and when intervention can have the greatest impact.
The project also focused on ensuring that new evidence reaches the people who need it most. Findings will inform a patient-facing decision aid and the SCIRE Upper Limb Module, supporting clinicians, individuals living with SCI and families make informed decisions about treatment options.
This is innovation moving into implementation.
By bringing together research, clinical expertise and lived experience, the project is helping translate a promising surgical technique into an evidence-informed approach that can be integrated into care. For Praxis, success is not measured solely by the research that is funded, but by whether that research leads to meaningful improvements in function, independence and quality of life for people living with spinal cord injury.