Sagittal Spinal Alignment in People with Chronic Spinal Cord Injury and Normal Individual: A Comparison Study Using 3D Ultrasound Imaging

J. Clin. Med., 2023 · DOI: 10.3390/jcm12113854 · Published: June 5, 2023

Spinal Cord Injury Spinal Disorders Rehabilitation

Simple Explanation

This study compares the spinal alignment of people with chronic spinal cord injury (SCI) to those without SCI, using 3D ultrasound imaging. It investigates whether a treatment called transcutaneous electrical spinal cord stimulation (TSCS) can improve spinal alignment in individuals with SCI. The study found that people with SCI have different spinal curvatures compared to those without SCI, indicating a higher risk of spinal deformities. TSCS treatment showed potential in improving these curvatures. These findings suggest that TSCS could be a potential method for restoring normal spinal alignment in people with chronic SCI, but more research with larger groups is needed to confirm these results.

Study Duration

12 weeks (TSCS treatment)

Participants

12 individuals with SCI and 10 neurologically intact subjects

Evidence Level

Case series study

Key Findings

1
Individuals with SCI exhibited greater thoracic kyphosis (TK) and lumbar lordosis (LL) compared to non-SCI subjects across different postures (standing, sitting straight, and relaxed sitting).
2
TSCS treatment resulted in a significant decrease in thoracic kyphosis (TK) in individuals with SCI, suggesting a reversible change in sagittal spinal profile.
3
The sagittal spinal profile appeared similar (C-shaped) between SCI and non-SCI groups in a dependent seated posture, while an S-shaped spine was observed in non-SCI individuals in standing and sitting straight positions.

Research Summary

The study compared sagittal spinal profiles between individuals with chronic SCI and normal individuals, revealing differences in thoracic kyphosis (TK) and lumbar lordosis (LL) across various postures. TSCS treatment was administered to individuals with SCI, and the results indicated a progressive change in sagittal thoracic curvature, suggesting a potential for restoring normal sagittal spinal alignment. The findings suggest that TSCS could be a viable intervention for managing spinal malalignment in individuals with chronic SCI, but further research with larger sample sizes is warranted.

Practical Implications

Clinical Implications for SCI Management

The study underscores the importance of assessing and managing sagittal spinal alignment in individuals with chronic SCI to prevent or mitigate spinal deformities.

Potential of TSCS Treatment

The findings suggest that TSCS treatment could be a promising non-invasive approach for improving sagittal spinal alignment in individuals with SCI, potentially enhancing their posture and overall well-being.

Future Research Directions

Further research, including randomized controlled trials with larger sample sizes, is needed to validate the effectiveness and sustainability of TSCS treatment for restoring normal sagittal spinal alignment in individuals with SCI.

Study Limitations

1
Small sample size of SCI participants receiving TSCS treatment.
2
Lack of blinding for the evaluator, potentially introducing bias.
3
Inability to evaluate sagittal alignment for SCI individuals in a standing position for posture comparison.

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