Lateral corticospinal tract and dorsal column damage: predictive relationships with motor and sensory scores at discharge from acute rehabilitation after spinal cord injury.

Arch Phys Med Rehabil, 2022 · DOI: 10.1016/j.apmr.2021.07.792 · Published: January 1, 2022

Spinal Cord Injury Neuroimaging Rehabilitation

Simple Explanation

This study investigates if the integrity of specific spinal cord tracts can predict motor and sensory function recovery in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) after inpatient rehabilitation. The researchers focused on the lateral corticospinal tract (LCST), which controls motor function, and the dorsal column (DC), which is responsible for light touch sensation. By analyzing MRI scans and clinical assessments of SCI patients, the study aimed to determine if the amount of spared tissue in these tracts could predict lower extremity motor and light touch sensory function at discharge from inpatient rehabilitation.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

151 participants with SCI

Evidence Level

Retrospective analyses of imaging and clinical outcomes

Key Findings

1
The integrity of the lateral corticospinal tract (LCST) showed a significant predictive relationship with lower extremity motor function at discharge.
2
Dorsal column (DC) integrity demonstrated a significant predictive relationship with light touch sensory function recovery.
3
In participants with motor complete injuries, the relationship between LCST and motor function was not significant, but the relationship between DC and light touch remained significant.

Research Summary

This retrospective study examined the predictive relationship between the integrity of specific spinal cord tracts and sensorimotor function in individuals with SCI. The study found that LCST integrity significantly predicted lower extremity motor function, while DC integrity significantly predicted light touch sensory function. These findings suggest that neuroimaging methods can potentially be used to predict deficits following SCI and guide targeted interventions.

Practical Implications

Predictive Biomarker

Neuroimaging methods can potentially be used to predict future deficits following SCI.

Targeted Interventions

These neuroimaging methods can guide the provision of corresponding individualized interventions to address these deficits.

Clinical and Research Applications

The methods could be used in both clinical and research settings.

Study Limitations

1
The imaging approach requires extensive image processing, including manually-segmented masks.
2
Manual segmentations may induce subjectivity into the methods.
3
Due to limitations in data availability, information such as early-versus-later decompressive surgery or rehabilitation intensity were unavailable.

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