Clinical Research Directory

Inclusion Criteria: * Age: = 18 years and = 80 years * Written informed consent by patient or legal authorized representative * No other life-threatening injury * No evidence of sepsis * Acute cervical or thoracic SCI with ASIA Impairment Scale grade A or B on admission * Non-penetrating SCI at neurologic level from C2 to C8 or T1 to T12 * The ability to undergo surgical intervention including study procedures through a posterior approach within 48 hours of injury Exclusion Criteria: * Unconsciousness or other mental impairment that prevents neurological assessment within the first 48 hours * Acute SCI with ASIA Impairment Scale grade C, D or E * Spinal cord decompression and spinal stabilization can be safely performed through an anterior-only approach (i.e. posterior approach is not required) * Currently involved in another non-observational SCI research study or receiving another investigational drug * Other illness (including mental disorder) that could preclude accurate medical and neurological evaluation (at discretion of the principal investigator) * Unable to commit to the follow-up schedule * A recent history of regular substance abuse (illicit drugs, alcohol), which in the opinion of the investigator would interfere with the subject's participation in the study * Any condition likely to result in the patient's death within the next 12 months * Prisoner * Subjects who in the opinion of the investigator are not suitable for inclusion in the study (reason to be documented). * Pregnancy