Functional outcomes in geriatric patients with spinal cord injuries at a tertiary care rehabilitation hospital in Saudi Arabia

Spinal Cord Series and Cases, 2018 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41394-018-0104-5 · Published: January 1, 2018

Simple Explanation

This study examines the outcomes of rehabilitation for elderly patients with spinal cord injuries or disorders (SCI/D) in Saudi Arabia. It looks at factors like age, gender, causes of injury, and other health problems that might affect how well they recover. The study found that non-traumatic causes of spinal cord issues were more common in this age group. Also, men with conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes were at higher risk. Patients who didn't have complications during their hospital stay had shorter stays and better improvement in their ability to function independently. The study highlights the importance of specialized rehab and preventing complications for better outcomes.

Study Duration

October 2014 to 2015

Participants

24 individuals with SCI/D aged ≥65 years

Evidence Level

Retrospective study

Key Findings

1
Non-traumatic spinal etiologies are the most frequent cause of spinal cord dysfunction in the elderly in Saudi Arabia.
2
Male gender, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus were identified as high-risk factors among geriatric individuals with SCI/D.
3
Elderly individuals with SCI/D without complications experienced shorter hospitalization periods and achieved higher functional gains during rehabilitation.

Research Summary

This retrospective study examined demographic features, clinical characteristics, and complications associated with SCI/D among elderly individuals at a rehabilitation hospital in Saudi Arabia between October 2014 and 2015. Functional outcomes of rehabilitation were measured using the Functional Independence Measure (FIM). The study included 24 individuals with SCI/D (95.8% male, mostly retired) with a mean age of 72.3 years. The most common co-morbidities were hypertension (75.0%) and diabetes mellitus (58.3%). Degenerative cervical myelopathy (33.3%) was the most common cause of SCD. The mean FIM score improved from 71.7 at admission to 85.3 at discharge. Co-morbidities such as peripheral vascular disease, ischemic heart disease, and stroke were associated with complications. The study concluded that non-traumatic spinal etiologies are the most frequent cause of spinal cord dysfunction in the elderly in Saudi Arabia.

Practical Implications

Targeted Rehabilitation Programs

Rehabilitation programs should be tailored to address the specific needs and co-morbidities of elderly individuals with SCI/D, especially focusing on non-traumatic etiologies.

Risk Factor Management

Proactive management of risk factors like hypertension and diabetes mellitus in elderly males can potentially reduce the incidence and severity of SCI/D-related complications.

Early Intervention and Prevention

Early diagnosis and intervention for conditions like spondylosis and degenerative disc disease may help prevent more serious outcomes, such as SCD, in the elderly population.

Functional outcomes in geriatric patients with spinal cord injuries at a tertiary care rehabilitation hospital in Saudi Arabia

Simple Explanation

Key Findings

Research Summary

Practical Implications

Targeted Rehabilitation Programs

Risk Factor Management

Early Intervention and Prevention

Study Limitations

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Functional outcomes in geriatric patients with spinal cord injuries at a tertiary care rehabilitation hospital in Saudi Arabia

Simple Explanation

Key Findings

Research Summary

Practical Implications

Targeted Rehabilitation Programs

Risk Factor Management

Early Intervention and Prevention

Study Limitations

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?