The journal of spinal cord medicine
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Microstimulators are new devices that should be considered for management of lower urinary tract problems following spinal cord injury (SCI) such as urinary retention. These devices are small (less than 25 mm by 5 mm) with the electrodes located on the ends of the stimulator. However, it is not known whether the small electrodes on these devices would be effective in stimulating the plexus of nerves that innervate the bladder. The aim of the present study was to provide preliminary observations with model microstimulators (M-Micro) for inducing bladder contractions in an SCI animal model. Bladder wall and pelvic plexus stimulation sites were compared. Additional investigations evaluated parameters such as stimulation polarity, frequency, and period as well as bladder filling volume. ⋯ This case series of 3 SCI animals showed that the small electrodes on the M-Micro could be used to stimulate the bladder with contractions and voiding in some cases. The pelvic plexus (bladder neck) location for the M-Micro may be a better location than higher on the bladder wall. Limiting side effects of stimulation included leg movement and increased abdominal pressure. Additional important factors included the stimulation parameters, initial bladder volume, and the function of the skeletal urethral sphincter.
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Image guidance provides additional anatomic information to the surgeon, which may allow more accurate insertion of spinal implants. Imprecise placement of anterior thoracic screws places the spinal cord and paraspinal structures at risk for injury. Image guidance may afford a safety benefit to patients when anterior thoracic screws are required in the setting of spinal stabilization after trauma. ⋯ Spinal image-guidance systems may allow spine surgeons to place anterior thoracic screws more precisely, particularly in the axial plane. The improved accuracy of spinal implant insertion could ultimately provide a benefit to patient safety, especially in the setting of malaligned vertebral bodies after trauma.
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Multicenter Study
Visceral pain and life quality in persons with spinal cord Injury: a brief report.
Few studies have examined the prevalence of visceral pain in persons with spinal cord injury (SCI), and virtually no studies have looked at the relationship between visceral pain and self-reported quality of life. We examined the frequency of reported visceral pain at 5, 10, and 15 years after injury to determine whether the presence of visceral pain is related to quality of life, and to determine to what extent visceral pain should be of concern to clinicians treating patients with SCI. ⋯ Although visceral pain may not be as prevalent as the more researched neuropathic and musculoskeletal subtypes of pain, it may account for a higher percentage of people with SCI who report pain than previously recognized. More quantitative and longitudinal research is needed to examine the relationship of visceral pain with overall quality of life and to pursue interventions.
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The optimal timing for surgical intervention after traumatic spinal injuries with spinal cord injury remains unclear. ⋯ Early surgical treatment is beneficial in terms of reducing complications, length of stay, and hospital costs. Further studies are needed to clearly demonstrate the impact of operative timing on neurological outcome.
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Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPGs) have been published on a number of topics in spinal cord injury (SCI) medicine. Research in the general medical literature shows that the distribution of CPGs has a minimal effect on physician practice without targeted implementation strategies. The purpose of this study was to determine (a) whether dissemination of an SCI CPG improved the likelihood that patients would receive CPG recommended care and (b) whether adherence to CPG recommendations could be improved through a targeted implementation strategy. Specifically, this study addressed the "Neurogenic Bowel Management in Adults with Spinal Cord Injury" Clinical Practice Guideline published in March 1998 by the Consortium for Spinal Cord Medicine ⋯ While publication of the CPG alone did not alter rates of provider adherence, the use of a targeted implementation plan resulted in increases in adherence rates with some (3 of 6) CPG recommendations for neurogenic bowel management.