Supporting Patient Decisions about Upper Extremity Surgery in Cervical Spinal Cord Injury
Abstract
Purpose: To define and communicate information about upper extremity (UE) function in spinal cord injury (SCI). Scope: Review information about spontaneous recovery and prospectively investigate recovery with and without surgical intervention. Major Findings: People with cervical SCI have variability in their ability to perform activities of daily living (ADL's) and health related quality of life (QOL). Surgical intervention is associated with a decreased ability to perform ADL's in the short term. This effect is most prominent in those undergoing tendon compared to nerve transfer surgery. Results: 1. To date, 23 people with mid-level cervical SCI have completed both the baseline and early follow up (or post-surgery) study procedures. Participants were majority male (75%) with mean age of 39 and over half (52%) were veterans. 2. All participants reported changes in the various domains of the SF-36 health related quality of life measures over time; these including physical functioning, role limitation, energy/fatigue, emotional well-being, social functioning, pain, and general health. 3. Surgery participants had a decrease in their self-reported ability to do activities of daily living as measured by the SCIM (Spinal Cord Independence Measure). Individuals undergoing tendon compared to nerve transfer surgery had a more pronounced decrease in SCIM scores.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 2019
- Accession Number
- AD1088158
Entities
People
- Ida K. Fox
Organizations
- University of Washington School of Medicine