Effects of lateral trunk support on scoliotic spinal alignment in persons with spinal cord injury: a radiographic study

Sagittal Spinal Alignment in People with Chronic Spinal Cord Injury and Normal Individual: A Comparison Study Using 3D Ultrasound Imaging

The aim of this study was to compare the sagittal spinal alignment of people with chronic spinal cord injury (SCI) with normal individuals and to determine whether transcutaneous electrical spinal cord stimulation (TSCS) could cause a change in the thoracic kyphosis (TK) and lumbar lordosis (LL) to re-establish normal sagittal spinal alignment. A case series study was conducted, wherein twelve individuals with SCI and ten neurologically intact subjects were scanned using 3D ultrasonography. In addition, three people with SCI having complete tetraplegia participated further to receive a 12-week treatment (TSCS with task-specific rehabilitation) after evaluation of sagittal spinal profile. Pre- and post-assessments were conducted to evaluate the differences in sagittal spinal alignment. The results showed that the TK and LL values for a person with SCI in a dependent seated posture were greater than those of normal subjects for: standing (by TK: 6.8° ± 1.6°; LL: 21.2° ± 1.9°), sitting straight (by TK: 10.0° ± 4.0°; LL: 1.7° ± 2.6°), and relaxed sitting (by TK: 3.9° ± 0.3°; LL: 7.7° ± 1.4°), respectively, indicating an increased risk for spinal deformity. In addition, TK decreased by 10.3° ± 2.3° after the TSCS treatment, showing a reversible change. These results suggest that the TSCS treatment could be used to restore normal sagittal spinal alignment for individuals with chronic SCI.

Experienced sitting-related problems and association with personal, lesion and wheelchair characteristics in persons with long-standing paraplegia and tetraplegia

STUDY DESIGN

Cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVES

To describe experienced sitting-related health and stability problems among persons with paraplegia (PP) or tetraplegia (TP) and to investigate associations with personal, lesion and wheelchair characteristics as well as satisfaction with sitting posture.

SETTING

Dutch community.

METHODS

A self-report questionnaire on seating was developed and completed by wheelchair-users living with Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) for ≥10 years (N = 264). Sitting-related problems and satisfaction with sitting posture were compared between participants with PP and TP using Chi-square and t-tests. Logistic regression analyses were performed to investigate associated characteristics.

RESULTS

Reported sitting-related problems comprised: sitting to be tiring (regularly to always) (33%), sitting to be painful (28%), pressure ulcers in the last three months (29%), instability while sitting (8%) and instability during reaching (33%). Except for instability during reaching, no differences in occurrence of sitting-problems were found between lesion-group. Persons with TP were more dissatisfied with their sitting posture than persons with PP: 51% vs 36% (p = 0.022) and 51% and 47% respectively thought their sitting posture could be improved (p = 0.670). 'Experienced lack of support in the wheelchair' was associated with most sitting-problems. Pain and instability were associated with dissatisfaction with sitting posture.

CONCLUSION

Sitting-related problems and dissatisfaction with sitting posture were frequently reported by persons with long-standing SCI. Sitting problems appeared to associate with lacking support in the wheelchair/seating. A comprehensive feedback from the wheelchair user and a stability check (reach task), as part of the wheelchair/seating-user fitting, may contribute to prevention of sitting-related problems.

Evidence-Based Strategies for Preserving Mobility for Elderly and Aging Manual Wheelchair Users

Elderly and aging manual wheelchair (MWC) users have increased risk for accelerated loss of function and mobility that greatly limits independence and affects quality of life. This review paper addresses important issues for preserving function and mobility for elderly and aging individuals who use a MWC by presenting the current available evidence and recommendations. These include recommendations for maximizing function, by decreasing pain, improving the ability to self-propel, and prolonging mobility and endurance through ergonomics, individualized wheelchair selection and configuration, and adaptations for increasing the capacity to handle the daily mobility demands through training, strengthening, and exercise. Each recommendation is supported by current research in each relevant area.

Conservative treatment of neuromuscular scoliosis in adult tetraplegia: a case report

We report successful correction of new onset neuromuscular scoliosis without spinal surgery in a man who is 30-years post-American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale grade A C6 injury with new onset of left neuromuscular scoliosis (Cobb angle 45°) after a motor vehicle collision. Interventions included nightly low-load prolonged stretching (LLPS) (4h left side lying over bolster), a series of 6 botulinum toxin injections (BTIs) at 3-month intervals, and progressive seating adjustments to counteract the spinal curvature. Monthly seating adjustments included rear quadrant wedging, lateral supports, and hip blocking to promote erect and symmetrical posture. A normative Cobb angle (5°) was achieved after 8 months of treatment. Improvements in alignment were demonstrated in physical examination outcome measures at the final session and follow-up. LLPS, seating adjustments, and paraspinal BTI are nonsurgical options for treating neuromuscular scoliosis in adults with tetraplegia. Further studies are necessary to determine optimum protocols and examine generalizability of these treatment methods.