Decision-Making About Upper Limb Tendon Transfer Surgery by People With Tetraplegia for More Than 10 Years

Comparing surgeries to restore upper extremity function in tetraplegia: Impact on function during the perioperative period

CONTEXT/OBJECTIVE

To assess short-term changes in health outcomes in people with cervical-level spinal cord injury (SCI) who underwent upper extremity (UE) reconstruction via either novel nerve transfer (NT) or traditional tendon transfer (TT) surgery with individuals who did not undergo UE surgical reconstruction.

DESIGN

Prospective, comparative cohort pilot study.

PARTICIPANTS

34 participants with cervical SCI met the following inclusion criteria: age 18 or older, greater than 6 months post-injury, and mid-cervical level SCI American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale (AIS) A, B or C.

SETTING

Two tertiary academic hospitals and their affiliated veterans' hospitals.

METHODS

Health outcomes were assessed using two previously validated measures, the Spinal Cord Independence Measure (SCIM) and Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36). Demographic, surgical, and survey data were collected at the initial evaluation and one month postoperatively/post-baseline.

RESULTS

34 participants with cervical SCI were recruited across three cohorts: no surgery (n = 16), NT (n = 10), and TT (n = 8). The TT group had a decline in SCIM and SF-36 scores whereas the NT and no surgery groups experienced little change in independence or health status in the immediate perioperative period.

CONCLUSIONS

Surgeons and rehabilitation providers must recognize differences in the perioperative needs of people with cervical SCI who chose to have restorative UE surgery. Future work should focus on further investigation of health outcomes, change in function, and improving preoperative counseling and cross-disciplinary management.

A Mixed Methods Approach as a Channel to Interpret Outcomes Research and Lived Experience Enquiry of Upper Extremity Elective Surgery for Tetraplegia

Cervical spinal cord injury (SCI) causing tetraplegia is extremely disabling. In such circumstances, restoration of upper extremity (UE) function is considered the highest priority. The advent of early nerve transfer (NT) procedures, in addition to more traditional tendon transfers (TT), warranted in-depth consideration given the time-limited nature of NT procedures. Potential surgery candidates may not yet have come to terms with the permanence of their disability. A mixed methods convergent design was utilized for concurrent analysis of the Aotearoa/New Zealand upper limb registry data from the clinical assessments of all individuals considering UE surgery, regardless of their final decision. The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) taxonomy guided data interpretation during the three-phased study series. It was the integration of the findings using the Stewart Model of care drawn from palliative health that enabled the interpretation of higher order messages. It is clear the clinical assessment and selection processes in use require reconsideration given the complexities individuals face following onset of SCI. We draw attention to the higher order cognitive demands placed on individuals, the requirement for SCI peer involvement in decision making and the need for acknowledgment of interdependence as a relational construct when living with tetraplegia.

Living With Cervical Spinal Cord Injury During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Qualitative Study

Objective

To understand how COVID-19 has affected the daily lives of people living with cervical spinal cord injury (SCI).

Design

Cross sectional qualitative study.

Setting

Academic medical center in the Midwestern United States.

Participants

Ten community-dwelling individuals (8 men, 2 women), average 11.6 years post-mid-cervical level SCI (N=10).

Interventions

Not applicable.

Main Outcome Measures

Semistructured interviews were completed by phone. The research team used thematic analysis and inductive strategies to analyze the data in this exploratory investigation.

Results

People with cervical SCI living in the United States during the spring of 2020 experienced changes to their daily lives. Participants described how interactions with caregivers for activities of daily living were complicated by fear about contracting and/or transmitting COVID-19. The pandemic limited this population's access to medical care and adversely affected their mental and physical health. Telemedicine was seen as a helpful alternative to in-person visits. Some participants felt that their previous life-altering experience (SCI) better prepared them to cope with the pandemic and “roll with things.”

Conclusions

Learning about how people with SCI cope, persevere, and survive to overcome adversity during the pandemic should inform future research to support those with SCI. Improving telemedicine and rewarding and recognizing caregivers for their role in maintaining health are important first steps. We must continue to be creative about improving our health care systems and access for people with disabilities, particularly during this and future public health crises.

Surgery to Restore Upper Extremity Function in Tetraplegia-Preferences for Early and Frequent Access to Information

INTRODUCTION

People with cervical spinal cord injury (SCI) identify improving upper extremity (UE) function as a top priority. In addition to comprehensive rehabilitation, UE surgeries, including nerve and tendon transfers, enhance function. However, barriers exist to disseminating information about surgical options to enhance UE function.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the experiences and preferences of people with cervical SCI and their caregivers in accessing information about surgery to enhance UE function.

DESIGN

Prospective cohort study. Participants were followed for 24 months and completed up to three interviews.

SETTING

Tertiary care at academic and affiliated Veterans Administration Health Care Centers.

PARTICIPANTS

Adults with cervical SCI (n=35) ages 18 to 80 years with mid-cervical SCI American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale A, B, or C (at least six months post-injury) and their caregivers (n=23) were eligible to participate. Participants were enrolled in three groups: nerve transfer, tendon transfer, or no UE reconstructive surgery.

INTERVENTIONS

Not applicable.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

Semi-structured interviews about surgical knowledge and experiences.

RESULTS

Data were analyzed and three themes were identified. First, providing information about UE surgical options early post-injury was recommended. The acute or inpatient rehabilitation phases of recovery were the preferred times to receive surgical information. Second, challenges with information dissemination were identified. Participants learned about UE surgery through independent research, medical provider interactions, or peers. Third, peers were identified as valuable resources for SCI needs and surgical information.

CONCLUSIONS

Following cervical SCI, information about UE reconstructive surgeries should be a standard component of education during rehabilitation. An increased understanding of the reconstructive options available to improve UE function is necessary to educate stakeholders. Future research is needed to support the development of strategies to effectively present surgical information to individuals with SCI and healthcare providers. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

The Impact of Robotic Therapy on the Self-Perception of Upper Limb Function in Cervical Spinal Cord Injury: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the impact of robotic therapy in patients with cervical spinal cord injury (SCI), measured on the basis of the patients’ self-perception of limited upper limb function and level of independence in activities of daily living. Methods: Twenty-six patients with cervical SCI completed the treatment after being randomly assigned to the intervention or control group. The training consisted of 40 experimental sessions 1 h in duration, ideally occurring 5 days/week for 8 weeks. In addition to the conventional daily therapy (30 min), the control group received another 30 min of conventional therapy, whereas the intervention group received 30 min of robotic therapy. Patients were evaluated by means of the Capabilities of Upper Extremity Questionnaire (CUE) and Spinal Cord Independence Measure (SCIM) clinical scales. Results: The improvement in the feeding item of SCIM was significantly higher in the intervention group than in the control group after the treatment (2.00 (0.91) vs. 1.18 (0.89), p = 0.03). The correlation between the CUE and SCIM scales was higher at the ending than at baseline for both groups. Conclusions: Although both groups improved, the clinical relevance related to the changes observed for both assessments was slightly higher in the intervention group than in the control group.

Restoring hand functions in people with tetraplegia through multi-contact, fascicular and auto-pilot stimulation: a proof-of-concept demonstration

Two multi-contact epineural electrodes were placed around radial and median nerves of 2 subjects with high tetraplegia C4, AIS A, group 0 of the International Classification for Surgery of the Hand in Tetraplegia. The purpose was to study the safety and capability of these electrodes to generate synergistic motor activation and functional movements and to test control interfaces that allow subjects to trigger pre-programmed stimulation sequences. The device consists of a pair of neural cuff electrodes and percutaneous cables with two extracorporeal connection cables inserted during a surgical procedure and maintained for 28 days. Continuity tests of the electrodes, selectivity of movements induced, motor capacities for grasping and gripping, conformity of the control order, tolerance and acceptability were assessed. Neither of the 2 participants showed general and local comorbidity. Acceptability was optimal. None of the stimulation configurations generated contradictory movements. The success rate in task execution by the electro-stimulated hand exceeded the target of 50% (54% and 51% for patient 1 and 2 respectively). The compliance rate of the control orders in both patients was > 90% using motion IMU-based detection and 100% using EMG-based detection in patient 1. These results support the relevance of neural stimulation of the tetraplegic upper limb with a more selective approach, using multi-contact epineural electrodes with 9 and 6 contact points for the median and radial nerve respectively.

Upper Extremity Surgery in Tetraplegia and the Online Information Void

Background: People with tetraplegia lack awareness of, and subsequently underutilize, reconstructive surgery to improve upper extremity function. This is a topic of international discussion. To bridge the information gap, proposed mandates encourage providers to discuss surgical options with all tetraplegic patients. Outside of the clinical setting, little is known about information available to patients and caregivers-particularly online. The purpose of this study is to evaluate online content for surgical options for improved upper extremity function for people with tetraplegia. Methods: A sample of online content was generated using common search engines and 2 categories of key words and phrases, general and specific. Articles on the first 2 search pages were evaluated for content and audience. Results: A total of 76 different search results appeared on the first 2 pages using 8 unique search phrases. Of articles generated from general phrases, only 5% mentioned tendon or nerve transfers in tetraplegia. When more specific key search phrases were used, the number of lay articles increased to 71%. Conclusions: Based on initial results, general online information on the management of tetraplegia largely excludes discussions of upper limb reconstruction and the well-known benefits. Unless patients, their caregivers, and nonsurgical health care providers have baseline knowledge of tendon and/or nerve transfers, they are unlikely to obtain de novo awareness of surgical options with self-initiated searches. Thus, the challenge and opportunity is to revise the online dialogue to include upper extremity surgery as a fundamental tenet of tetraplegia care.

Nerve transfer rehabilitation in tetraplegia: Comprehensive assessment and treatment program to improve upper extremity function before and after nerve transfer surgery, a case report

CONTEXT

A 28-year-old male, sustained a traumatic Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) in January 2015, and was classified as AIS A, neurological level of injury (NLI) C4. As an inpatient at the SCI rehabilitation unit, he underwent multidisciplinary assessment involving SCI specialists, peripheral nerve surgeons, psychologists, occupational and physical therapists. Team consensus determined he was a candidate for nerve transfer surgery to improve upper extremity function. The patient undertook a pre-surgical neurorehabilitation program of 3 months duration. Surgery was performed bilaterally at 11 and 13 months after SCI (right and left arm respectively).

FINDINGS

Upon completion of surgical procedures, the patient underwent an intensive post-surgical rehabilitation program based on established goals, with follow-up every 3 months, up to 24 months after the surgery. Notable improvements were wheelchair propulsion, the ability to relieve pressure, grasp, pinch, and release an object. Standardized measures for SCI individuals (SCIM-III, CUE-Q, LiSAT-9 and UEMS) showed significant improvements.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Nerve transfers in tetraplegia are an underused technique. The benefits of surgery along with an intensive neurorehabilitation program, can improve independence and function in daily living activities for a properly selected group of individuals.

Identifying barriers to upper extremity reconstruction in tetraplegia: a systematic scoping review

STUDY DESIGN

Systematic scoping review OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to understand the barriers to accessing upper extremity (UE) reconstructive surgery among those living with tetraplegia, and to identify gaps in knowledge.

METHODS

Using standardized scoping review methods, a literature search was conducted using four databases and 1069 articles were procured. Two independent reviewers systematically screened the articles in two phases. Retrieved articles underwent thematic analysis using a constructivist grounded theory methodology.

RESULTS

The reviewed articles (n = 25) were published between 2002 and 2019, and study designs included: cross-sectional (64%), retrospective (16%), and review articles (8%). Common barriers to UE reconstruction were categorized into factors related to patients, providers, and systems. These general domains included lack of awareness of UE reconstruction and its benefits among people with tetraplegia and providers, poor interdisciplinary working relationships, and a lack of specialized centers that provide these reconstructive surgeries. Specific patient-related barriers related to intrinsic (coping skills, trust, fear) and extrinsic (support network, finances, postoperative course) factors that influenced decision-making.

CONCLUSIONS

There are many barriers that prevent individuals with tetraplegia from accessing surgery at different levels of the healthcare system. Establishing specialized centers with strong interdisciplinary working relationships and raising awareness about the advantages and disadvantages of UE reconstruction through peer networks may help to improve accessibility. Using a value-based, patient-centered approach by exploring how individuals with SCI weigh each decision factor when considering surgery may help providers develop treatment options that better align with their goals.

Nerve transfer surgery in spinal cord injury: online information sharing

Background

Nerve transfer to improve upper extremity function in persons with cervical spinal cord injury (SCI) is a new reconstructive option, and has led to more people seeking and sharing surgical information and experiences. This study evaluated the role of social media in information-sharing on nerve transfer surgery within the SCI community.

Methods

Data were collected from Facebook, which is the favored information-sharing platform among individuals seeking medical information. Searched terms included ‘spinal cord injury’ and ‘SCI’ and excluded groups with: less than two members (n = 7); closed groups (n = 2); not pertaining to SCI (n = 13); restricted access (n = 36); and non-English (n = 2). Within public and private accessed groups, searches were conducted for ‘nerve’, ‘transfer’, ‘nerve transfer’, and ‘nerve surgery’. Each post about nerve transfer, responses to posts, and comments about nerve transfer in response to unrelated posts were tabulated. Thematic content analyses were performed and data were categorized as seeking information, sharing information, sharing support, and sharing appreciation.

Results

The search yielded 99 groups; 35 met the inclusion criteria (average size = 2007, largest = 12,277). Nerve transfer was discussed in nine groups, with 577 total mentions. In the seeking information axis, posts were related to personal experience (54%), objective information (31%), surgeon/center performing the procedure (9%), and second opinion (4%). At least 13% of posts were from individuals learning about nerve transfers for the first time. In the sharing information axis, the posts: shared personal experience (52%); shared objective information (13%); described alternative treatment (3%); tagged someone to share information (11%); linked to outside resources (12%); and recommended a specific surgeon/center (9%).

Conclusion

Social media is an important source of information and support for people with SCI. There is a paucity of information on nerve transfers. These study findings will inform implementation of future education strategies.

Combined botulinum toxin type A and electrical stimulation in individuals with C5-C6 and C6-C7 tetraplegia: a pilot study

STUDY DESIGN

Single-blind pilot study.

OBJECTIVES

(1) To evaluate combined BoNT-A injection of spastic antagonistic muscles and ES of wrist extensors in order to improve hand function in incomplete cervical SCI patients. (2) To identify prognostic indicators of hand improvements, as a function of motor levels of injury.

SETTING

Ten incomplete asymmetric SCI tetraplegics admitted to San Camillo Hospital (Venezia, Italy), who were not able to perform automatic grasping, were enrolled in the study. A better motor level (BML) C6-C7 and worse motor level (WML) C5-C6 were assigned to take into account asymmetric motor strength.

METHODS

Administration of 100-200 UI BoNT-A per limb into flexor carpi radialis (FCR), extensor digitorum communis (EDC), brachial biceps (BB), and pectoralis major (PM) was performed. This was in conjunction with 6 weeks of 30-min ES sessions repeated three times a day for 6 days a week in wrist extensor muscles, and 6 weeks of 30-min hand rehabilitation for 6 days a week. Assessments included wrist Range of Motion (w-RoM), Modified Ashworth Score (MAS), Functional Independence Measure motor scores (FIM motor), and Nine Hole Peg Test (NHPT).

RESULTS

Treatments produced a significant reduction in motor spasticity (MAS) and better dexterity (NHPT) in the C6-C7 BML with respect to the WML cases (p level = 0.007; p = 0.01, respectively). FIM motor scores improved more in BML (median: 20; range 20/22) than in WML (median: 10; range 8/17).

CONCLUSIONS

Hand function improvement, determined by combined BONT-A and ES, was better in C6-C7 than in C5-C6 SCI patients.

Hand Reconstruction in Children with Spinal Cord Injury

Comprehensive programs for children who sustain traumatic spinal cord injury should incorporate optimizing hand and upper extremity function along with the other traditional pillars of rehabilitation. Children's smaller anatomy, open growth plates, and future skeletal growth, combined with the age-related psychosocial impact of these injuries, require protocols suited to these age-related issues. There is a role for surgical reconstruction, as is the case for adults with traumatic tetraplegia, and surgical outcomes are equally beneficial and long lasting. Strict adherence to surgical indications, and surgical strategies and protocols that incorporate their age-related challenges, are the keys to successful management.

Nothing to lose: a phenomenological study of upper limb nerve transfer surgery for individuals with tetraplegia

Purpose: For individuals with tetraplegia, regaining upper limb function forms the highest priority for improving quality of life. Use of nerve transfers to reconstruct upper limb function is increasing, however little is known about individual's decision to have and experience of the surgery and associated rehabilitation outcomes. This qualitative study aimed to understand the experience of surgery on the lives of individuals with tetraplegia 18 months post-surgery.Method: In-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted with five purposively selected individuals who have undergone upper limb nerve transfers at a metropolitan health service, Melbourne, Australia, specializing in spinal cord injury rehabilitation. Collaizi's phenomenological framework guided data analysis, resulting in an essence statement describing the individuals' experience.Results: An essence statement comprising three themes; Deciding on Surgery, Facing Challenges: Surgery to Recovery and Evaluating Surgical Outcomes, was developed.Conclusion: The study suggests that for individuals with tetraplegia, hope to regain lost upper limb function forms a core consideration in the decision to have surgery. For clinicians supporting patient's decision, balancing hope with the realities of surgery is important. Even small changes in upper limb function had an important influence on participant's confidence in social situations through enhanced participation in a range of everyday activities.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONIn making a decision to have surgery, individuals with tetraplegia benefit from two way discussions with the healthcare team and others who have already undergone surgery.Healthcare teams need to help prepare individuals for the challenges of surgery including: expectations of pain, hospital stay, initial loss of independence and the time it may take to see re-innervation of target muscles and subsequent functional changes.Surgery should be routinely considered as individuals' report that even small changes in upper limb function positively increases participation in everyday tasks and confidence in social situations.When evaluating changes in upper limb function, patient-centered measures should be used.

Nerve transfer surgery in cervical spinal cord injury: a qualitative study exploring surgical and caregiver participant experiences

PURPOSE

To investigate perceptions of surgical participants and their caregivers regarding novel nerve transfer surgery to restore upper extremity function in cervical level spinal cord injury.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A qualitative study design was used. A multidisciplinary team developed semi-structured interview guides. Interviews were recorded, transcribed and analyzed using basic text analysis.

RESULTS

Participants had limited information about procedures to improve function after spinal cord injury. When discussing their choice to undergo nerve (as compared to traditional tendon) transfer surgery, they describe a desire to avoid post-operative immobilization. Barriers included the pre-operative testing, cost and inconvenience of travel for surgery, and understanding complex health information related to the procedure. While expectations matched descriptions of outcomes among participants and were generally positive, caregivers expressed disappointment. The long time interval for gains in function to be realized and relatively incremental gains achieved were frustrating to all.

CONCLUSIONS

People with cervical spinal cord injury and their caregivers need more information about options to restore function and about realistic range of improvements with treatment. Further work to mitigate barriers and develop health information materials around nerve transfer surgery may improve medical decision making around and appropriate use of this newer treatment option.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONNerve transfer surgery is a novel and acceptable means of improving upper extremity function in the setting of cervical spinal cord injury.People with cervical spinal cord injury and their caregivers need information about options to restore hand and arm function and mitigation of barriers around these treatment options.

The golden year: How functional recovery sets the stage for tendon transfer surgery among patients with tetraplegia-a qualitative analysis

BACKGROUND

Tendon transfer surgery can effectively improve hand function for patients with tetraplegia but remains poorly utilized. Little is known regarding how patients' rehabilitation experiences influence their perception of function, identity, and coping to shape their reconstructive context.

METHODS

We performed a cross-sectional qualitative analysis of 19 participants with C4-C7 cervical spinal injuries: 9 patients had undergone reconstruction; 10 had not. Semistructured interviews were conducted using an interview guide focusing on rehabilitation experience, the relationship between function and identity, and how patient experience evolved. Interview transcripts were analyzed using grounded theory.

RESULTS

The study sample was predominantly male (79%), white (89%), and American Spinal Injury Association grades A-D (grade A: 42%; grade B: 32%; grade C: 16%; grade D: 10%). Recognizing rehabilitation's necessity, functional gains, and constructive patient-therapist relationships promoted engagement in therapy. Poor insurance coverage and financial constraints decreased rehabilitation access. Function affected identity through the degree to which it tied participants to a "patient" role. Early in recovery, patients' function, roles, and attitudes were fluid but solidified over time; how satisfied patients were with these final positions influenced how they coped.

CONCLUSION

The balance of patients' positive and negative coping has been found to influence patients' progression to surgery. This study describes how function and identity contribute to coping. Participants' function and identity evolved during a finite period we call "the golden year," before reaching a fixed point around which they built their lives. The norms patients establish during this time may affect receptiveness to surgery.

Acute flaccid myelitis: Rehabilitation challenges and outcomes in a pediatric cohort

PURPOSE

To describe one institution's experience in the rehabilitation of children with acute flaccid myelitis (AFM). This study reviews the medical and rehabilitative course and functional outcomes of a cohort of children who underwent Activity Based Restorative Therapy (ABRT) at a single center.

METHODS

Children with AFM presenting for rehabilitation between March 2005 and January 2017 were identified and a retrospective chart review was conducted. Changes in medical and functional status were assessed using multiple standardized instruments, as well as a chart review of medical progress.

RESULTS

Thirty-one children with AFM treated at our institution in the study time period were identified. Of these, seventeen received inpatient treatment, and fourteen received solely outpatient interventions. Their medical and functional outcomes are described with use of standardized measures when available.

CONCLUSIONS

Children with flaccid paralysis due to AFM undergoing structured, comprehensive rehabilitation interventions, even when these are initiated long after paralysis onset, can make significant neurologic and functional gains. Recovery of function and prevention of comorbidities are the main therapeutic targets for interventions in this population.

A Comparative Outcome Study of Hamstring Versus Tibialis Anterior and Synthetic Grafts for Deltoid to Triceps Transfers

PURPOSE

To assess elbow extension strength and complications after deltoid-triceps transfers using hamstring tendon graft compared with tibialis anterior and synthetic tendon grafts.

METHODS

A retrospective review of deltoid-triceps transfers in patients with tetraplegia performed between 1983 and 2014.

RESULTS

Seventy-five people (136 arms) had surgery performed, with the majority undergoing simultaneous bilateral surgery (n = 61; 81%). Tibialis anterior tendon grafts were used in 68 arms, synthetic grafts in 23 arms, and hamstring tendon grafts in 45 arms. The average age at surgery was 31 years. Sixty-three arms (46%) were assessed between 12 and 24 months after surgery. Seventy percent of the group (n = 54) were able to extend their elbow against gravity (grade 3 of 5 or greater) following surgery. Seventy-nine percent of those with hamstring grafts achieved grade 3 of 5 or more compared with 77% with tibialis anterior and 33% with synthetic grafts. There was a statistically significant difference in postsurgery elbow extension between the tibialis anterior group and the synthetic graft group and the hamstring and the synthetic graft group but not between the tibialis anterior and the hamstring group. Complications occurred in 19 arms (14%), the majority occurring immediately after surgery and associated with the wounds. The remaining complications were with the synthetic graft group in which dehiscence of the proximal attachment occurred in 30% of the arms.

CONCLUSIONS

Autologous tendon grafting is associated with achievement of antigravity elbow extension in a greater proportion of individuals than with prosthetic grafting.

TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic IV.

Rehabilitation After Surgical Reconstruction to Restore Function to the Upper Limb in Tetraplegia: A Changing Landscape

Upper limb reconstructive surgical procedures for individuals with tetraplegia are performed in many centers internationally. Most recipients of surgery return to local communities and nonsurgical centers for postoperative rehabilitation and long-term follow-up. This supplement focuses on the clinical significance of upper extremity reconstruction, addressing issues related to the availability and choice for surgery, preoperative assessments, postoperative training paradigms, and appropriate outcome measures. Comprehensive intervention protocols are described in terms of dose, timing, specific activities, modalities, and related outcomes. Shared knowledge of current rehabilitation practice, as it relates to reconstructive surgery, can expand treatment options communicated to patients, increase the availability of postoperative muscle reeducation programs, and motivate long-term follow-up assessments.

Essential gains and health after upper-limb tetraplegia surgery identified by the International classification of functioning, disability and health (ICF)

STUDY DESIGN

A questionnaire-based survey.

OBJECTIVES

To describe functional gains and health following upper-limb tetraplegia surgery using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) as a reference and to explore interconnections across different dimensions of functioning and health.

SETTING

A specialized center for advanced reconstruction of extremities at Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden.

METHODS

Fifty-seven individuals who participated in a satisfaction survey were included in the present study. Besides questions concerned with the respondents' satisfaction with different aspects of surgery, the measures included perceived overall health status (EQ-VAS) and achieved grip strength. Univariate analyses were used to explore interconnections between measures.

RESULTS

The gains could be subcategorized and linked to the ICF domains 'mobility', 'self-care', 'communication', 'domestic life', and 'community, social and civic life', with 'handling objects' and 'maneuvering a wheelchair' as the most frequently reported gains. The mean EQ-VAS score was 67±22. No significant correlation was shown between grip strength and activity gains, nor between grip strength and perceived overall health. The degree of satisfaction was, however, associated with self-reported overall health among participants.

CONCLUSION

The functional gains achieved after tetraplegia surgery could be applied to the ICF constructs' body functions/structures and activity with possible implications on participation. The overall health perception was relatively high and could be linked to the degree of satisfaction among participants. Muscle strength is not necessarily transferable to activity performance. This emphasizes the importance of addressing factors other than strength in the post-surgical rehabilitation and assessments.

Satisfaction with upper limb reconstructive surgery in individuals with tetraplegia: the development and reliability of a Swedish self-reported satisfaction questionnaire

Study design:

A questionnaire-based survey.

Objectives:

To assess satisfaction after upper limb reconstructive surgery in individuals with tetraplegia and to determine the reliability of a Swedish satisfaction questionnaire.

Setting:

A center for advanced reconstruction of extremities, Gothenburg, Sweden.

Methods:

Seventy-eight individuals with tetraplegia were invited to participate in the survey assessing satisfaction with the result of surgery across various domains. Measures of reliability included stability and internal consistency of domains consisting questions regarding global satisfaction, activities and occupation/schooling.

Results:

Fifty-eight individuals (76%) participated, among whom 47 (82%) completed the questionnaire twice for repeatability assessment. The responses in the domains relating to global satisfaction, activities and occupation/schooling were positive in 83%, 72% and 31% of participants, respectively. Ninety-five percent felt they had benefited from the surgery, and 86% felt that the surgery had made a positive impact on their life. The psychometric testing indicated that the questionnaire yields scores that are reliable by both test–retest and internal consistency, with the exception of the domain occupation/schooling that had a high prevalence of missing and neutral responses and seemingly represents separate and distinct entities.

Conclusion:

Surgical rehabilitation of the upper limb in tetraplegia is highly beneficial and rewarding from a patient perspective, leading to satisfactory gains in activities of daily living as well as enhanced quality of life. The questionnaire is a reliable instrument for measuring satisfaction after surgery. However, occupationally and educationally related aspects of the surgical outcome should constitute separate domains, and further modifications of the questionnaire are thus recommended.