Evaluating associations between trauma-related characteristics and functional recovery in individuals with spinal cord injury

This study investigates factors affecting functional recovery during inpatient rehabilitation for people with spinal cord injuries (SCI). By linking trauma and SCI databases, researchers aimed to identify how trauma severity, pre-existing conditions, and medical complications impact recovery. The study linked records from trauma centers and SCI model systems in Pennsylvania to analyze data from 604 individuals with traumatic SCI. Functional recovery was measured as the percentage change in motor function during rehabilitation. The findings indicate that older age, greater injury severity, pre-existing diabetes, pulmonary complications during acute care, and longer rehabilitation stays are linked to poorer functional recovery in SCI patients.

• 1
  Older age is associated with lower functional recovery during inpatient rehabilitation for individuals with SCI.
• 2
  Greater impairment, as defined by the SCI level combined with the American Spinal Injury Association (AIS) impairment scale, is associated with lower functional recovery.
• 3
  The presence of diabetes mellitus and pulmonary complications during acute care are associated with lower functional recovery in individuals with SCI.