Midsagittal tissue bridges are associated with walking ability in incomplete spinal cord injury: A magnetic resonance imaging case series

The Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine, 2020 · DOI: 10.1080/10790268.2018.1527079 · Published: March 1, 2020

Spinal Cord Injury Medical Imaging Research Methodology & Design

Simple Explanation

Following a spinal cord injury (SCI), one of the most important questions patients have is whether they will walk again. Early prediction of walking recovery is challenging due to factors like spinal shock and potential surgeries. This study used magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to measure the amount of spared spinal cord tissue, called tissue bridging. The study found that the amount of tissue bridging was related to walking ability. The study suggests that measuring tissue bridging could be a useful tool for predicting walking ability after a spinal cord injury. Improving this prediction can help with treatment planning and managing patient expectations.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

10 individuals with incomplete SCI (1 female, average age = 42 years old ± 13)

Evidence Level

Level IV; Case Series

Key Findings

1
The study found a high level of agreement between different raters measuring the tissue bridge ratio, indicating the measure is reliable.
2
A significant positive relationship was found between the midsagittal tissue bridge ratio and the distance participants could walk in six minutes.
3
The results suggest that midsagittal tissue bridge ratios could potentially serve as a prognostic biomarker for predicting residual walking ability after SCI.

Research Summary

This case series investigated the relationship between midsagittal tissue bridges and walking ability in individuals with incomplete spinal cord injury (SCI). The study found a significant positive correlation between the midsagittal tissue bridge ratio and the distance walked in 6 minutes, suggesting that tissue bridge measurements may be a useful tool for predicting walking ability after SCI. The authors conclude that these findings warrant further research to explore the predictive value of midsagittal tissue bridge measures in a larger dataset and in the acute stage of SCI.

Practical Implications

Prognostic Tool

Midsagittal tissue bridge ratios may serve as a prognostic biomarker for residual walking ability following SCI.

Individualized Intervention

Early prediction of functional recovery can improve the clinical management and individualized intervention of individuals with SCI.

Clinical Management

Improved early and accurate prediction of future locomotor function after SCI is important for patients, families, and the healthcare team.

Study Limitations

1
The small sample size limits the generalizability of the findings.
2
The subjective nature of the manual measure could introduce bias, although high inter-rater reliability was found.
3
The study did not include other MR sequences or contrasts, such as STIR MRI, which may be more sensitive in detecting spinal cord lesions.

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?

Back to Spinal Cord Injury