Nerve transfer surgery in spinal cord injury: online information sharing

Abstract Background Nerve transfer to improve upper extremity function in persons with cervical spinal cord injury (SCI) is a new reconstructive option, and has led more people seeking sharing surgical information experiences. This study evaluated the role of social media information-sharing on nerve surgery within SCI community. Methods Data were collected from Facebook, which favored platform among individuals medical information. Searched terms included ‘spinal injury’ ‘SCI’ excluded groups with: less than two members ( n = 7); closed 2); not pertaining 13); restricted access 36); non-English (n 2). Within public private accessed groups, searches conducted for ‘nerve’, ‘transfer’, ‘nerve transfer’, surgery’. Each post about transfer, responses posts, comments response unrelated posts tabulated. Thematic content analyses performed data categorized as information, support, appreciation. Results The search yielded 99 groups; 35 met inclusion criteria (average size 2007, largest 12,277). was discussed nine 577 total mentions. In axis, related personal experience (54%), objective (31%), surgeon/center performing procedure (9%), second opinion (4%). At least 13% learning transfers first time. posts: shared (52%); (13%); described alternative treatment (3%); tagged someone share (11%); linked outside resources (12%); recommended specific (9%). Conclusion Social an important source support SCI. There paucity transfers. These findings will inform implementation future education strategies.