Objective: To compare neurological and functional outcomes, and complications of patients with neoplastic vs traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) after in-patient rehabilitation. Design: This study is a retrospective analysis. Setting: In-patient rehabilitation unit of a tertiary research hospital. Participants: A total of 252 patients with a SCI were included; 43 with neoplastic SCI (mean age: 60.9 ± 15

Objective: To describe epidemiological features of traumatic spinal cord injury (TSCI) and to conduct a comparison with data from 2002. Design: Retrospective research. Setting: China Rehabilitation Research Center (CRRC), Beijing. Methods: Five hundred and ninety patients with TSCI were admitted to the CRRC from 1st January 2011 to 31st December 2019. We collected data on sex, age, marital status,

Objective: To assess the unmediated association between neurological impairment and quality of life (QoL) among persons with spinal cord injury (SCI), in the context of both early post-acute and long-term rehabilitation settings. Design: An observational prospective cross-sectional study. Setting: Two neurological rehabilitation centers, specializing in spinal cord injury, within a university hospital

Objective: To analyze the impact of lower extremity deep sensory impairment on the walking capability of patients with incomplete cervical spinal cord injury. Design: Retrospective cohort study. Setting: Spinal Injuries Center, Fukuoka, Japan. Participants: Patients with incomplete cervical spinal cord injury who were transferred to the Spinal Injuries Center within 2 weeks of injury and whose progress

(2020). Reflecting the spirit of early pioneers in spinal cord research: The Bors Award for Scientific Development. The Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine: Vol. 43, No. 4, pp. 419-420.

Context: Little is understood about differences in resting neural activity among those with spinal cord injury (SCI)-related neuropathic pain. The purpose of this pilot study was to determine resting cerebral blood flow differences in persons with SCI-related neuropathic pain compared to healthy, pain-free able-bodied controls. Methods: Five persons with paraplegia and ten able-bodied participants

Objectives: We aimed to explore barriers to discussing sexual health with spinal cord injured (SCI) patients as perceived by health care professionals, to determine interest and preferences regarding further education in sexual health, and to assess the perceived need for an inpatient Sexual Health Team. Design: Pre and post surveys were completed by attendees following a 1–2 hour educational session

Context/Objective: This is a preliminary study of movement finalities prediction in manual wheelchairs (MWCs) from electromyography (EMG) data. MWC users suffer from musculoskeletal disorders and need assistance while moving. The purpose of this work is to predict the direction and speed of movement in MWCs from EMG data prior to movement initiation. This prediction could be used by MWC to assist users

Context: Physical activity has been beneficial to health, functional independence and quality of life in individuals with spinal cord injury. However, there is no consensus concerning the effects of community-based upper-body exercise for people with paraplegia who use a manual wheelchair. Objective: Conduct a systematic review of evidence of upper-body exercise effects able to be developed in a community-setting

Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine variables predictive of post-SCI return to employment and current employment among a large cohort of veterans with Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) treated within the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) SCI System of Care. Design: Cross sectional analysis of data obtained during in-person baseline interviews and follow-up phone interviews. Setting: Seven

Objective: Spinal cord injury often leads to the loss of penile sensation, and severely affects the individual’s sexual function. The present study aimed to restore the penile sensory pathway through end-to-side dorsal root (DR) transfer neurorrhaphy in rats, and preliminarily verified the feasibility of the operation. Design: 40 male adult Sprague–Dawley rats were divided into three groups. In the

Context: To identify VA and non-VA Emergency Department (ED) and hospital utilization by veterans with spinal cord injury and disorders (SCI/D) in California. Design: Retrospective cohort study. Setting: VA and Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development (OSHPD) in California. Participants: Total 300 veterans admitted to the study VA SCI/D Center for initial rehabilitations from 01/01/1999

Context: Granulocytic sarcoma (GS) is an extramedullary form of proliferating myeloblasts. It is frequently reported in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) but rarely in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). Spinal cord compression caused by CML-associated GS is exceedingly rare, with only few cases reported in the literature. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case in which

Objective: Determine the prevalence of lateral epicondylosis (LE) of the dominant elbow in manual wheelchair users based on ultrasound assessment and physical exam. Design: Prospective, cross-sectional. Setting: National Veteran Wheelchair Games 2018 and 2019 (event medical services). Participants: Manual wheelchair users who attended the National Veteran Wheelchair Games (n = 87). Interventions: Participants

Context: Tethered cord syndrome is a progressive condition usually diagnosed early in life, and leads to a diversity of manifestations including neurologic, urologic, and orthopedic dysfunction. Findings: We report two cases of tethered cord syndrome associated with a unilaterally absent sural sensory response on nerve conduction studies while other causes of this finding being excluded. Conclusion/clinical

Objective: To assess the association between ibuprofen use and the systemic inflammatory biomarkers C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in chronic Spinal Cord Injury (SCI). Study design: Prospective cohort study. Setting: Community dwelling individuals with SCI. Participants: 338 (278 male, 60 female) community dwelling individuals with chronic SCI (≥1-year post-injury). Interventions:

Objective: The majority of individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) experience chronic pain. Chronic pain can be difficult to manage because of variability in the underlying pain mechanisms. More insight regarding the relationship between pain and physical activity (PA) is necessary to understand pain responses during PA. The objective of this study is to explore possible relationships between PA

Objective: Compare the gut microbiome composition among individuals with acute spinal cord injury (A-SCI), long-standing SCI (L-SCI), vs. able-bodied (AB) controls. Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: The University of Alabama at Birmingham. Participants: Seven adults with A-SCI (36 ± 12 years, 2F/5M, C4-T10, and American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale [AIS] A–D), 25 with L-SCI (46 ± 13

Context/objective: At present, there is no consensus on the most effective surgical method for treating symptomatic lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS). Total laminectomy, which is frequently used at this time, destroys the posterior midline structure, causing many postoperative complications. We have designed a new surgical approach instead of total laminectomy. In this paper, we aimed to describe the surgical

Objective: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading cause of mortality in persons with SCI. While macrovascular remodeling and function after SCI is well documented, changes in the microvascular structure and function are comparably understudied, but importantly predict CVD risk. Specifically, the integrity of venoarteriolar (VAR), myogenic (MYO) and maximal vasodilation responses are largely unknown

Objective: Acupuncture combined with moxibustion (AM) therapy has been applied to treat spinal cord injury (SCI), but the underlying mechanism is unclear. The present study aimed to confirm the effect and mechanism of AM treatment on the recovery of SCI.Design: Male Sprague-Dawley rats were used to establish the SCI model by impact method. SCI rat models were subjected to AM treatment at Dazhui (GV14)

Objective: To determine the relationship between physical findings, wheelchair sitting time, and interface pressure on ischial region in subjects with spinal cord injury (SCI).Design: Cross-sectional study.Setting: Rehabilitation center in Japan.Participants: Manual wheelchair users with chronic SCI (n = 45).Interventions: Pressure ulcers (PU) were diagnosed by inspection, palpation, and ultrasonography

Context/objective: Swallowing difficulties (dysphagia) are well recognized after spinal injury. There are no published rehabilitation efficacy studies to date. This study explored viability and outcomes of swallowing rehabilitation programs for four patients with persisting dysphagia.Design: Prospective, quantitative experimental longitudinal case series.Setting: Spinal rehabilitation unit or patients'

Context/Objective: Following a spinal cord injury or disability (SCI/D), cognitive appraisals are a marker of psychological adjustment. The present study evaluated the clinical utility and discriminant validity of the Appraisals of DisAbility Primary and Secondary Scale - Short Form (ADAPSS-sf). The ADAPSS-sf was evaluated on 1. identification of individuals experiencing poor psychological adjustment

Spasticity is one of the most common secondary impairment after spinal cord injury (SCI). It can lead to an increase in the level of disability. The functional electrical stimulation cycling (FES-cycling) promotes recovery in patients with SCI. No systematic review has been published examining the influence of FES-cycling on the spasticity of lower extremities post-SCI.Objective: This review aimed

Objective: To carry out a study of non-traumatic spinal cord injury (NTSCI) epidemiology in IrelandDesign: Prospective study of all new incident cases of NTSCI during 2017Setting: Republic of IrelandParticipants: All persons with a newly acquired NTSCIInterventions: NoneOutcome measures: Crude and age/sex specific incidences; ISCoS core dataset and non-traumatic dataset; population denominator was

Objective: To compare outcomes using a wheelchair back designed to support the natural seated spinal curves versus an upholstered back that promotes posterior pelvic tilt and thoracolumbar kyphosis.Design: Cross-over intervention.Setting: Two free-standing spinal cord injury (SCI) model system hospitals.Participants: Fifty adults with motor complete SCI C6-T4, between the ages of 18-60 years who use

Objective: To determine the incidence of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in patients with acute cervical spinal cord injury (SCI) and ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL).Design: Prospective cohort study.Setting: A department of a university hospital in Japan.Participants: This study included 57 patients (OPLL, n = 10; non-OPLL, n = 47) treated for acute cervical SCI between January

Objective: To determine the incidence of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in patients with acute cervical spinal cord injury (SCI) and ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL). Design: Prospective cohort study. Setting: A department of a university hospital in Japan. Participants: This study included 57 patients (OPLL, n = 10; non-OPLL, n = 47) treated for acute cervical SCI between January

Context: Heterotopic ossification is characterized by abnormal growth of bone in soft tissues. Neurogenic heterotopic ossification is also closely related to central nervous system injuries and has been reported to respond to radial extracorporeal shock wave therapy.Findings: In this case, a radial extracorporeal shock wave therapy (five times per week, lasted for almost one year) was applied to a

Objective: The current diagnostic criteria of autonomic dysreflexia (AD) is based solely on systolic blood pressure (SBP) increases from baseline without regard to changes in diastolic blood pressure (DBP). During urodynamics in persons with SCI at or above the sixth thoracic level (T6), we evaluated diastolic blood pressure (DBP) changes related with AD episodes.Design: Retrospective review of blood

(2020). Statement of Retraction. The Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine. Ahead of Print.

Context/Objective: Wheelchair users with spinal cord injury (SCI) have a high risk of developing shoulder pain, caused by rotator cuff disease. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a potential treatment after conservative treatments fail and prior to surgical intervention; however, it has not been tested in wheelchair users who have recalcitrant shoulder pain associated with rotator cuff disease. The objective

Context: Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a well-known complication of spinal cord injury (SCI). Low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) may be used in SCI patients who develop DVT, but can lead to subcutaneous bleeding. If subcutaneous bleeding occurs, then lymphedema, cellulitis, muscle or tendon tearing, or baker's cyst rupture should be considered in the differential diagnosis.Findings: Herein, we present

Context: There has been no known research investigating the association between leisure time physical activity (LTPA), loneliness, and life satisfaction among people with spinal cord injury or dysfunction (SCI/D). The relationship between these constructs is worthy of consideration given the positive health impacts of LTPA, the negative health impacts of loneliness, and heightened negative effects

Objective: We investigated the effects of the incremental arm-cranking exercise (ACE) on tissue oxygen saturation (StO2) between active and inactive muscles, and the relationship between peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak) and changes in the StO2 in inactive muscles.Design: Observational study.Setting: Community-based supervised intervention.Participants: The participants were individuals with motor and sensory

(2020). COVID-19 and spinal cord injury professionals: Maintaining a scholarly perspective. The Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine: Vol. 43, No. 3, pp. 279-279.

Objective: Thermoregulatory dysfunction after spinal cord injury (SCI) impairs quality of life and predisposes persons to life-threatening sequela of heat-related illness (HRI) in conditions of high ambient temperature. SCI clinicians currently have no objective way to predict which persons are at greatest risk of HRI. Evaporative cooling via sweating is the body's most efficient mechanism of heat

Objective: To compare the effects of intensity-matched acute exercise at different intensities on proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines between able-bodied (AB) and spinal cord injured (SCI) individuals. Design: Non-Randomized Controlled Trial. Setting: Community settings in São Paulo – Brazil. Participants: Eight AB and nine SCI paraplegic. Interventions: Participants underwent three exercise

Context: Few cases of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) with an onset older than 75 years old have been reported. Finding: Herein, we report an 81-year-old Chinese male initially suspected of acute stroke but was ultimately diagnosed with NMOSD. Conclusion: Even in the elderly, a diagnosis of NMOSD should be considered for patients with myelitis, especially those with longitudinally extensive

Context: Manual wheelchair users must be able to carry out wheelies in order to tackle obstacles in the outdoor environment. To date, no studies have compared balance variables and forces exerted on the handrim during a stationary wheelie between able bodied and spinal cord injury subjects. Objectives: To compare the distribution of forces applied to the handrim and the center of pressure displacement

Context/Objective: Clinicians have guidance on prevention and treatment of pressure injuries, but little is known regarding characteristics of patients who develop additional pressure injuries. Thus, our objective was to explore the first pressure injury and characteristics of individuals who develop subsequent pressure injuries during acute care and inpatient rehabilitation following spinal cord injury

Context: Symptomatic post-traumatic syringomyelia can affect the quality of life in patients whose neurologic function has already been impacted by a spinal cord injury. Objective: To investigate the radiographic and clinical outcomes following surgery for syringomyelia, we present a literature review along with a case series from a single surgeon’s experience. Methods: A retrospective review was conducted

Context: Both copper and betanin have been implicated as having significant bioactivity against ischemic damage in a variety of experimental and clinical settings. The aim of this study is to investigate whether betanin and copper have any protective effect on spinal cord in an ischemia–reperfusion (I/R) model in rats. Design: Spraque-Dawley rats were used in four groups: Sham group (n = 7), control

Objective: Chemical and mechanical injury in myelomeningocele (MMC) during the fetal life results in functional disorders of multiple organs. Prenatal MMC repair reduces sequelae of spinal cord injury. Design: Histopathological evaluation of dura mater and skin specimens to assess the severity of inflammatory changes. Setting: Histopathological laboratory and operated patients. Participants: 45 cases

Introduction: Spinal cord injury (SCI) often results in chronic secondary health conditions related to autonomic and metabolic dysfunction. Epidural electrical stimulation (EES) combined with task-specific training has been shown to enable motor function in individuals with chronic paralysis. The reported effects of EES on secondary health conditions, such as bladder function and body composition,

Background: The pathogenesis of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS), including the role of brain and spinal inhibitory circuits, is still poorly elucidated. The aim of this study was to identify which central inhibitory mechanisms are involved in the pathogenesis of AIS. Design: A prospective neurophysiological study, using a battery of neurophysiological tests, such as cutaneous (CuSP) and cortical

Context: Metastatic intradural extramedullary spinal cord tumors are extremely rare. Findings: A 76-year-old woman presented with intractable neck pain. Three years earlier, she had been treated for ovarian cancer with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy. A year later, she underwent resection of a brain metastasis. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed an encapsulated intradural extramedullary mass at

Context: The impact of mechanical ventilation on energy expenditure after spinal cord injury (SCI) is sparse. The objective of this case-series is to measure 15-minutes resting metabolic rate (RMR) to determine 24-hours measured-RMR (m-RMR) using QUARK indirect calorimeter (IC) and; compare the m-RMR with estimated RMR (e-RMR) using four commonly used predictive equations (Harris-Benedict, Mifflin

Context: Post-traumatic syringomyelia treatment usually focuses on restoring normal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow. Herein, the first-reported case of delayed post-traumatic syringomyelia associated with an L2 compression fracture 30 years prior to syringomyelia symptoms that rapidly progressed to the brainstem within 5 months, leading to respiratory and circulatory impairments, is summarized. The

Purpose: Spinal cord injury-related pain is often a severe debilitating condition that adversely affects the patient’s physical health, psychological wellbeing and quality of life. Opioid medications have historically been prescribed to this population with great frequency. As opioid abuse disorder becomes an ever-worsening public health issue, more attention must be placed upon non-opioid options

Study design: A retrospective hospital-based study. Objective: To describe the epidemiological profile of traumatic spinal cord injury (TSCI) in Guangdong Province. Setting: Two hospitals within Guangdong Province, China. Methods: Medical records of patients diagnosed with TSCI admitted to Foshan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Zhujiang Hospital of South Medical University from 1 January

Context: Dorsal migration of the sequestered lumbar intervertebral disc is an unusual and underrecognized pattern of lumbar disc herniation associated with pain and neurological deficit. Findings: Three patients presented with lower limb- and low back pain. MR imaging showed intracanalicular mass lesions with compression of the spinal cord and allowed precise localization of lesions in the extradural

Objective: To provide an overview of clinical assessments and diagnostic tools, self-report measures (SRMs) and data sets used in neurogenic bladder and bowel (NBB) dysfunction and recommendations for their use with persons with spinal cord injury /disease (SCI/D).Methods: Experts in SCI/D conducted literature reviews, compiled a list of NBB related assessments and measures, reviewed their psychometric

Context: In a global environment of escalating antimicrobial resistance and limited new antibiotic development, there is a desire to optimize antibiotic use across all settings to preserve options for the future. Despite this, antibiotics continue to be prescribed inappropriately in many settings. Patients with a spinal cord injury (SCI) are particularly vulnerable to receiving multiple courses of

Context: This review synthesizes the findings of previous research studies on the cardiovascular and metabolic benefits of aerobic exercise for individuals with tetraplegia secondary to spinal cord injury. They are often less active due to muscular paralysis, sensory loss, and sympathetic nervous system dysfunction that result from injury. Consequently, these persons are at higher risk for exercise

Objectives: Identifying factors associated with the occurrence of pressure injuries (PI) during acute care and with longer length of stay (LOS), focusing on modifiable factors that can be addressed and optimized by the acute rehabilitation team.Design: Prospective cohort study.Setting: A single Level-1 trauma center specialized in SCI care.Participants: A cohort of 301 patients with acute TSCI was

Context: Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TC) is a transient stress-induced cardiomyopathy with left ventricular dysfunction of unknown etiology. A well accepted theory for the pathophysiology of TC is attributed to a massive catecholamine release [1]. This case report will review a chronic tetraplegia patient who was diagnosed with TC after a severe episode of autonomic dysreflexia (AD). He experiences mild