Archives of physical medicine and rehabilitation
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Arch Phys Med Rehabil · Nov 2004
Environmental factors and their role in participation and life satisfaction after spinal cord injury.
To investigate environmental barriers reported by people with spinal cord injury (SCI), and to determine the relative impact of environmental barriers compared with demographic and injury characteristics and activity limitations in predicting variation in participation and life satisfaction. ⋯ The inclusion of environmental factors in models of disability was supported, but were found to be more strongly related to life satisfaction than to societal participation.
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Arch Phys Med Rehabil · Nov 2004
Outcomes of early surgical management versus late or no surgical intervention after acute spinal cord injury.
To compare neurologic, medical, and functional outcomes of patients with acute spinal cord injury (SCI) undergoing early (<24 h and 24-72 h) and late (>72 h) surgical spine intervention versus those treated nonsurgically. ⋯ ASIA motor index improvements were noted in the nonsurgery group, though likely related to increased incompleteness of injuries within this group. Early versus late spinal surgery was associated with shorter LOS and reduced pulmonary complications, however, no differences in neurologic or functional improvements were noted between early or late surgical groups.
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Arch Phys Med Rehabil · Nov 2004
Assessing the influence of wheelchair technology on perception of participation in spinal cord injury.
To investigate factors related to the wheelchair, impairment, and environment that affect perception of participation of persons with spinal cord injury (SCI) in activities performed in 3 settings: in the home, in the community, and during transportation. ⋯ The wheelchair was the most commonly cited limiting factor, followed by physical impairment and physical environment. The wheelchair is the most important mobility device used by persons with SCI and the one that users most associate with barriers.
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Arch Phys Med Rehabil · Nov 2004
Case ReportsMyotonic dystrophy presenting as new-onset hand weakness and recurrent pneumonia in a patient with paraplegia: a case report.
We describe a previously independent T11 paraplegic patient who had delayed-onset hand weakness and recurrent pneumonia caused by myotonic dystrophy. A man in his late thirties suffered a thoracic spinal cord injury (SCI) from a gunshot wound at the age of 17 years, with resultant T11 American Spinal Injury Association class A paraplegia. He lived independently until the age of 36 years when he was hospitalized multiple times for pneumonia. ⋯ Electrodiagnostic testing was performed, which showed myotonic discharges. Genetic testing was consistent with myotonic dystrophy. This case shows the importance of considering causes of weakness that affect the population as a whole when evaluating a patient with SCI who presents with delayed-onset weakness.