Article

This study reviews the usefulness of surgical improvement of arm and
hand function in patients with non-traumatic spinal cord injury who differ
significantly from individuals with post-traumatic tetraplegia with respect to
age, injury pattern, gender and socio-economic factors.
DESIGN: Case series.
Tests were conducted preoperatively and 12 months postoperatively. PATIENTS:
The results of 14 upper extremity reconstructions in 11 patients (7 women, 4 men)
with spinal cord injury, mean age at injury 49 years (standard deviation (SD)
12), were reviewed. METHODS: Key pinch strength, grip strength and first web
space opening were recorded pre- and post-operatively in all patients, 5 patients
(7 hands) were evaluated prospectively regarding manual dexterity. RESULTS: All
parameters were significantly improved. Strength of key pinch increased from 0.3
kg in 1 case and zero in 10 cases to a mean of 1.6 kg (SD 0.9). Mean grip
strength increased from 0 to 3.2 kg (SD 4.5). Maximal distance between thumb and
index increased from 2.1 cm (SD 4.1) to 6.4 cm (SD 4.4).
Manual dexterity
increased. CONCLUSION: Individuals with stable non-traumatic tetraplegia benefit
from surgical rehabilitation of their upper extremities.
The number of
non-traumatic spinal cord injuries is likely to increase as lifespan increases
worldwide, and further research into the functional rehabilitation of this
population will therefore become increasingly relevant.

Langue : ANGLAIS