Paraplegia
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The concept of a wheelchair cushion fitting clinic for the prevention of pressure sores is reviewed in the light of recent estimates of the cost of pressure sores in the U. K. A method for measuring the pressure beneath the ischial tuberosities is discussed and techniques for measuring a patient's habitual exercise frequency and seated posture are described. Results from the records of 600 spinal injury patients including Rancho Los Amigos Hospital are reported and used to demonstrate the importance of low pressure beneath the ischial tuberosities as an indicator of wheelchair cushion suitability.
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Case Reports
Paraplegia following surgery in Foix and Alajouanine syndrome. (Arteriovenous malformation of the spinal cord).
Two patients with spinal cord arteriovenous malformation became paraplegic after removal of the abnormal vessels from the dorsal surface of the thoracolumbar spinal cord. Surgical exposure of a spinal cord arteriovenous malformation without an attempt at removal accelerated the pace of progressive paraparesis in two other patients. ⋯ We propose that the intramedullary vascular changes in this condition are an integral component of the arteriovenous malformation. Additionally, the phenomenon of nocturnal seminal ejaculation in spite of progressing impotence may be a clinical feature unique to spinal cord arteriovenous malformations.