Satisfaction with upper extremity surgery in individuals with tetraplegia

The Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine, 2015 · DOI: 10.1179/2045772314Y.0000000259 · Published: March 1, 2015

Spinal Cord Injury Patient Experience Surgery

Simple Explanation

This study investigates how satisfied people with tetraplegia are after having surgery to improve the function of their arms and hands. The researchers looked at data from individuals in Denmark who had this type of surgery over a 35-year period. The study found that most participants were generally happy with the results of their surgery, especially regarding its positive impact on their daily lives and independence. People who had surgery more recently tended to report higher satisfaction levels. The researchers also discovered that certain types of surgeries, specifically those focused on improving pinch and hand function, led to greater satisfaction compared to surgeries aimed at improving triceps activation.

Study Duration

35 years

Participants

40 individuals with tetraplegia

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Overall satisfaction with upper extremity surgery among individuals with tetraplegia is high, with 76% expressing general satisfaction.
2
Individuals who underwent surgery between 1991 and 2008 reported significantly greater satisfaction and were more satisfied with their ability to perform activities of daily living (ADL) compared to those who had surgery between 1973 and 1990.
3
Pinch/specific hand surgery resulted in significantly greater satisfaction with ADL and independence compared to triceps activation surgery.

Research Summary

This study evaluated the satisfaction of individuals with tetraplegia following upper extremity reconstructive surgery in Denmark over a 35-year period. The study found overall high satisfaction, especially concerning life impact, ability to perform ADL, and increased independence. Satisfaction levels were significantly higher among those who had surgery between 1991 and 2008, suggesting improvements in surgical techniques, information, or rehabilitation. Pinch/specific hand surgeries were associated with greater satisfaction than triceps activation surgeries. The study highlights the importance of upper extremity surgery for individuals with tetraplegia, emphasizing its positive impact on their lives and the need for continued evaluation and improvement of surgical and rehabilitative approaches.

Practical Implications

Improved Surgical Techniques

Continuous improvement of surgical techniques and rehabilitation protocols can lead to increased patient satisfaction and better outcomes.

Patient Education

Providing comprehensive pre-operative information and post-operative therapy is crucial for managing patient expectations and optimizing functional gains.

Personalized Surgical Planning

Tailoring surgical interventions based on the individual's specific needs and functional goals (e.g., prioritizing pinch/hand function for increased independence) can enhance patient satisfaction.

Study Limitations

1
The number of individuals with tetraplegia having upper extremity surgery is limited.
2
Many of the individuals had different kinds of surgeries on both arm and hand, and therefore it has not been possible to determine which type of surgery improved which particular ADL function to any large degree.
3
Trend of incomplete lesions instead of complete lesions.

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