SPINAL CORD INJURY-PROGNOSIS (COMPLETE TETRAPLEGIA)

SUMMARY

1. Only 2%-3% of persons with ASIA A SCI convert to AISA D by 1 year.

2. 30%-80% of persons with motor complete tetraplegia recover functional motor strength at that level, within 1 year of injury.

3. Within this group, the most important prognostic factor is the initial presence of grade 1 or 2 power at the level. A muscle with grade 1 or 2 strength at 1 week has a 70%-80% chance of reaching grade 3 by 1 year.

4. For a muscle with grade 0 strength, there is only a 30% to 40% chance to reach grade 3 or better by 1 year.

5. The chance of functional recovery of a muscle two levels below the motor level of injury, when the first muscle below the motor level is grade 0, is exceedingly rare.

Reference(s)

Braddom, R., 2014. Physical Medicine And Rehabilitation. 4th ed. St. Louis: Elsevier Health Sciences, p.1308.

Cifu, D.X. (2020). Braddom’s physical medicine and rehabilitation. Elsevier. Get it on Amazon.
Cuccurullo, S. (2019). Physical medicine and rehabilitation board review. New York: Demosmedical. Get it on Amazon.
O’Young, B., Young, M.A. and Stiens, S.A. (2008). Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Secrets. Mosby. Get it on Amazon.