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Conceptual framework for considering the status of lower motor neuron degeneration affecting key arm muscles that may be re-animated after spinal cord injury via nerve transfer surgery. In scenario C, which affects 30-40% of patients we screen, nerve transfer surgery should be avoided outside of the first 6 months post-injury due to detrimental impact of chronic muscle denervation on recipient muscle targets. However, reconstruction by tendon transfer may be considered.

Reconstructive Surgery for People with Spinal Cord Injury

The Journal of Neurophysiology recently published a review by Adenike Adewuyi, MD PhD — a 2022 graduate of Shirley Ryan AbilityLab’s physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R) residency program — and her mentor, Colin Franz, MD, PhD, physician-scientist, at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab. The review defines a clinical framework for evaluating patients with spinal cord injuries to determine their candidacy for nerve transfer surgery.

Research Project

a young man with an intellectual disability is smiling while another young man with red hair holds his shoulders and smiles.

Expanding Peer Mentoring Programs to Include Employment Goals Could Benefit People with Physical Disabilities

In the News

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Open House

Shirley Ryan AbilityLab invites patients, visitors, and staff to an upcoming Open House for the Multiple Sclerosis community.

time

10/11/2025 - 13:00 10/11/2025 - 16:00

Event

Understanding how Powered Componentry Impacts Prosthetic Gait with a Transfemoral Prosthesis

The objective of this study is to understand how using a new powered prosthetic knee and/or ankle affects how people walk with a prosthesis.

Age Range 18-95

Clinical Trial

Recreational Therapy

Recreational therapy utilizes recreation and leisure-based interventions to improve a patient’s physical, cognitive, and social functioning; increase independence; and reduce or eliminate the effects of illness and/or an impairment.

Service

The Benefits of Recreational Therapy in Inpatient Rehabilitation

After a life-changing injury or illness, many people choose to continue their recovery in an inpatient rehabilitation hospital like Shirley Ryan AbilityLab — to restore function, recover lost abilities and regain independence.

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