Musculoskeletal Deterioration and Hemicorporectomy After Spinal Cord Injury

This case report describes the 25-year medical history of a man with a spinal cord injury who developed severe pressure sores and eventually underwent a hemicorporectomy (HCP), a radical surgery involving the removal of the lower body. The report details the patient's rehabilitation journey, including various prosthetic and therapeutic interventions, and discusses factors that contributed to his musculoskeletal decline, such as chronic wounds and postural issues. Despite facing significant challenges, the patient survived for 12 years post-HCP and regained independence in mobility and self-care, highlighting the potential for a reasonable quality of life even after such a drastic procedure.

• 1
  The patient experienced a significant reduction in hospital days after undergoing hemicorporectomy, suggesting an improvement in overall health despite continued complications.
• 2
  Chronic wounds, postural deviations, and inconsistent adherence to pressure relief recommendations contributed to musculoskeletal deterioration.
• 3
  Prosthetic innovations, such as the 'trapdoor' mechanism for managing ostomy prolapse and the adjustable tilt correction system, significantly improved the patient's comfort and functionality.