ORTHOPEDIC RELATED COMORBIDITIES IN SPINAL CORD-INJURED INDIVIDUALS

Acta Ortop Bras, 2020 · DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/1413-785220202804224403 · Published: April 1, 2020

Spinal Cord Injury Orthopedics Rehabilitation

Simple Explanation

Spinal cord injuries (SCI) cause the loss of motor, sensory and autonomic functions below the injured level, damaging social, physical and psychological functions. Spinal injuries lead to disuse of the affected limbs, which may generate spasticity, osteoarthritis, muscle hypotrophy, venous thrombosis, osteoporosis etc. The longer survival of victims of traumatic spinal cord injury is related to the training of multidisciplinary teams from first care to restructuring of the patient in society.

Study Duration

Between October and December 2018

Participants

80 articles and 3 theses

Evidence Level

II, Prognostic Studies – Investigating the Effect of a Patient Characteristic on the Outcome of Disease

Key Findings

1
There is a chronic overload on the shoulder girdle due to the use of the upper limb as a supporting joint.
2
The elbow presents osteoarthritis, subclinical, acute and chronic pain, mainly in quadriplegic patients.
3
Hips are the main weight-bearing joints while sitting which leads to a substantial degenerative process of this joint.

Research Summary

This study aims to review, identify and study the determinations of the main orthopedic aspects in SCI patients. The correct and early diagnosis of possible malfunctions and subsequent intervention, whether with Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation, physical therapy exercises and the practice of physical activity, are essential for the good prognosis of the patient. Many pertinent aspects about the main structures of these conditions have not yet been fully explored, such as limb disuse of a quadriplegic or paraplegic patient and the mechanism of this impairment, as well as the most effective diagnostic methods and therapeutic proposals with lower associated cost.

Practical Implications

Rehabilitation Program Relevance

Recognize the orthopedic changes to understand their limits and identify the relevance of the rehabilitation program to improve the muscle performance.

Early Detection Importance

Early detection of symptoms can help a good prognosis and improve the quality of life of these patients in their daily activities and rehabilitation processes.

Technological Advancements in Therapy

Increase in life expectancy of patients with spinal injuries simultaneous to the advance of technological developments in therapy.

Study Limitations

1
Limb disuse of a quadriplegic or paraplegic patient and the mechanism of this impairment have not yet been fully explored
2
The most effective diagnostic methods and therapeutic proposals with lower associated cost are not yet known.
3
Lack of sensitivity in spinal cord injuries makes it necessary to use imaging tests to know probable changes.

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?

Back to Spinal Cord Injury