Article

The aim of this study was to document prospectively the changes in
function that can affect the skills required to use a manual wheelchair after
reconstructive hand and arm surgery in individuals with tetraplegia. DESIGN: Case
series. The tests were conducted preoperatively and 12 months postoperatively.
PATIENTS: Sixteen individuals who underwent a total of 23 grip/elbow extension
reconstructions and who used a manual wheelchair as their main form of transport
were included. METHODS: Functional tests of wheelchair control were performed.
The tests addressed 8 aspects of manoeuvring a wheelchair. RESULTS: Sixty-eight
percent of the individuals improved their manoeuvring skills after hand surgery.
Improvements were also observed in the ability successfully to perform tests that
were impossible to perform before surgery. The type of reconstruction and level
of injury affected the outcome. CONCLUSION: The improvement in wheelchair
propulsion ability after reconstructive hand and arm surgery in individuals with
tetraplegic spinal cord injury implies increased mobility, which can help
individuals to live a more active life.

Langue : ANGLAIS