RADIOGRAPHIC ASSESSMENT OF HIPS IN PATIENTS WITH SPINAL Cord INJURY

Acta Ortop Bras, 2012 · DOI: · Published: January 1, 2012

Spinal Cord Injury Medical Imaging Orthopedics

Simple Explanation

Spinal cord injuries can lead to musculoskeletal issues due to disuse and repetitive trauma. The hip joint is especially vulnerable in wheelchair users because it bears significant weight but experiences limited movement. Radiographic examination is a cost-effective method to identify osteoarticular changes in the hips of spinal cord-injured patients, such as heterotopic ossification and joint space narrowing. Heterotopic ossification, which affects 20-30% of spinal cord injury patients, can cause pain, swelling, and restricted movement, complicating rehabilitation.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

15 spinal cord-injured patients (30 hips)

Evidence Level

II, Development of diagnostic criteria in consecutive patients (with universally applied reference ‘‘gold’’ standard)

Key Findings

1
The study found that only 23% of the hips examined showed no evidence of articular damage, highlighting a high rate of hip impairment in spinal cord-injured patients.
2
Heterotopic ossification was observed in 16.6% of the hips, consistent with previous literature.
3
Radiographic findings included femoroacetabular incongruity, osteophytes, changes in joint space, and heterotopic ossification.

Research Summary

This study aimed to identify radiographic changes in the hips of spinal cord-injured patients, who often experience altered joint forces and are prone to osteoarticular changes. Radiographic assessment of 15 patients revealed a high prevalence of joint changes, including heterotopic ossification, femoroacetabular incongruity and joint space narrowing. The study concludes that regular radiographic monitoring of hips in spinal cord-injured patients is justified due to the high incidence of articular abnormalities and can aid in early management and rehabilitation.

Practical Implications

Early Detection

Radiographic monitoring can help detect hip abnormalities early in spinal cord-injured patients.

Improved Management

Early detection can facilitate better management of hip-related issues.

Enhanced Rehabilitation

Targeted rehabilitation programs can be implemented based on radiographic findings.

RADIOGRAPHIC ASSESSMENT OF HIPS IN PATIENTS WITH SPINAL Cord INJURY

Simple Explanation

Key Findings

Research Summary

Practical Implications

Early Detection

Improved Management

Enhanced Rehabilitation

Study Limitations

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?

RADIOGRAPHIC ASSESSMENT OF HIPS IN PATIENTS WITH SPINAL Cord INJURY

Simple Explanation

Key Findings

Research Summary

Practical Implications

Early Detection

Improved Management

Enhanced Rehabilitation

Study Limitations

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?