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Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2020 Jun 2. Epub 2020 Jun 2.

Medical Rehabilitation Clinic, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland.

Objective: To investigate the experience of environmental barriers by people with spinal cord injury (SCI) across 22 countries. Specific aims were to describe and compare the prevalence of environmental barriers experienced across countries, and to analyze determinants of environmental barriers at the individual and country levels.

Design: Cross-sectional community survey Participants: 12,591 individuals living with SCI in the community participated in this study. Read More

PM R 2020 Jun 5. Epub 2020 Jun 5.

Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center, Augusta, Georgia, USA.

Objective: Review the literature regarding outcomes of surgical and nonsurgical management of lower extremity (LE) fractures in chronic SCI.

Literature Survey: Medline (PubMed), Embase, Cochrane Database of Systemic Reviews, Cochrane Central, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, ClinicalTrials.gov, International Clinical Trials Registry Platform, and International Standard Randomized Controlled Trials were searched from January 1, 1966 to March 1, 2019. Read More

Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2020 Jun 1. Epub 2020 Jun 1.

Crawford Research Institute, Shepherd Center, Atlanta, GA; Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA; Program in Applied Physiology, School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA.

Objective: Evaluate the psychometric properties of the SCI-SET and PRISM using Rasch analysis to optimize their validity and efficiency.

Design: Rasch analysis of the SCI-SET and PRISM represents a secondary analysis of data collected as part of a collaborative research project of the SCI Model Systems Centers. The overall survey was organized into four sections: 1) participant demographics and injury characteristics, 2) participant experiences of spasticity, 3) SCI-SET, and 4) PRISM. Read More

Can J Surg 2020 Jun 4;63(3):E315-E320. Epub 2020 Jun 4.

From the Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Sask. (Ahmed, Fourney); the Rick Hansen Institute, Vancouver, B.C. (Humphreys, Rivers); and the Waakebiness-Bryce Institute for Indigenous Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont. (Jeffrey).

Background: People of Aboriginal (Indigenous) ancestry are more likely to experience traumatic spinal cord injury (TSCI) than other Canadians; however, outcome studies are limited. This study aims to compare Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal populations with acute TSCI with respect to preinjury baseline characteristics, injury severity, treatment, outcomes and length of stay.

Methods: This was a retrospective analysis of participants with a TSCI who were enrolled in the prospective Rick Hansen Spinal Cord Injury Registry (RHSCIR), Saskatoon site (Royal University Hospital), between Feb. Read More

Spinal Cord Ser Cases 2019 Jun 5;5(1):55. Epub 2019 Jun 5.

Department of Spine Service, Indian Spinal Injuries Center, New Delhi, India.

Introduction: Progressive deterioration of neurological status post-thoracic myelopathy surgery after a clinically stable period is rare and can pose a diagnostic dilemma. We present our experience with such a case where all known etiologies were ruled out and the cause of deterioration could not be conclusively identified. The course was found to be similar to sub-acute post-traumatic ascending myelopathy (SPAM). Read More

Disabil Rehabil 2020 Jun 4:1-10. Epub 2020 Jun 4.

Department of Physical Therapy, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.

As many as 30-60% of individuals living with spinal cord injury/disease (SCI/D) experience at least one pressure injury (PI) in their lifetime. Best practice guidelines in SCI/D rehabilitation emphasize the importance of providing education regarding PI prevention and management for individuals living with SCI/D. Mobile educational applications can be used for PI education however there is limited research on the user-experiences of mobile educational applications about PIs for individuals living with SCI/D. Read More

Asian Spine J 2020 Jun 5. Epub 2020 Jun 5.

Department of Orthopaedics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India.

Study Design: Multicenter validation study.

Purpose: To evaluate the inter-rater reliability of Rajasekaran's kyphosis classification through a multicenter validation study.

Overview Of Literature: The classification of kyphosis, developed by Rajasekaran, incorporates factors related to curve characteristics, including column deficiency, disc mobility, curve magnitude, and osteotomy requirements. Read More

Spinal Cord 2020 Jun 2. Epub 2020 Jun 2.

Spinal Unit and Spinal Rehabilitation Lab, IRCCS Fondazione S. Lucia, Rome, Italy.

Study Design: Retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data.

Objective: Central cord syndrome (CCS) is reported to have better outcomes than other cervical lesions, especially for ambulation and bladder recovery. However, a formal comparison between patients with CCS and other incomplete cervical spinal cord injuries (iCSCI) is lacking. Read More

J Neurotrauma 2020 Jun 3. Epub 2020 Jun 3.

Spinal Injuries Center, 73491, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Iizuka, Fukuoka, Japan;

Introduction: Swallowing dysfunction, which may cause aspiration pneumonia, is one of the most important complications of treatment of traumatic cervical spinal cord injury (CSCI); however, the mechanism of dysphagia is not well understood. No previous studies have reported the association between morphological changes of the soft tissue and dysphagia. We aimed to determine the factors associated with severity of dysphagia following CSCI and elucidate its mechanism. Read More

Basic Clin Neurosci 2020 Jan-Feb;11(1):1-14. Epub 2020 Jan 1.

Research Center of Biomedical Engineering, Mashhad Branch, Islamic Azad University, Mashhad, Iran.

Introduction: Efficient gait control using Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) is an open research problem. In this research, a new intermittent controller has been designed to control the human shank movement dynamics during gait.

Methods: In this approach, first, the three-dimensional phase space was constructed using the human shank movement data recorded from the healthy subjects. Read More

Curr Nutr Rep 2020 May 29. Epub 2020 May 29.

United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee, 1 Olympic Plaza, Colorado Springs, CO, 80909, USA.

Purpose Of Review: Effective thermoregulation is paramount for optimizing athletic performance and minimizing the risk of heat illness when exercising, especially in hot conditions. Para-athletes can face unique challenges in regard to thermoregulation and hydration, especially when travel is involved.

Recent Findings: For example, athletes with spinal cord injuries (SCI) have an impaired ability to thermoregulate due to a decreased sweat rate and ability to dissipate heat, thus making vigorous activity in the heat a challenge. Read More

Prehosp Disaster Med 2020 May 29:1-6. Epub 2020 May 29.

CRIMEDIM, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy.

In response to the International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation (ILCOR; Niel, Belgium) release of an updated recommendation related to out-of-hospital spinal immobilization (SI) practice in 2015, a systematic review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) checklist of English-language studies published from January 2000 through July 2019 on the use of SI in resource-scarce environments (RSEs). Studies meeting the following criteria were included in the analysis: peer-reviewed statistical studies or reports detailing management of potential traumatic spinal injury in RSE, civilian, and military environments; as well as consensus clinical guidelines, academic center, or professional association protocols or policy statements detailing management of potential traumatic spinal injury in RSE, civilian, and military environments; statistical analysis; and subsequent management of spinal injuries after mass-casualty incidents, in complex humanitarian events or conflict zones, low-to middle-income countries, or prolonged transport times published by government and non-government organizations. Studies excluded from consideration were those not related to a patient with a potential traumatic spinal injury after a mass-casualty incident, in complex humanitarian event or conflict zones, in low-to middle-income countries, or with prolonged transport times. Read More

Asian Spine J 2020 May 29. Epub 2020 May 29.

Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.

Study Design: In this study, we decided to change the activity of periaqueductal gray (PAG)'s metabotropic glutamate receptors subtype 8 (mGluR8) by means of its specific agonist, (S)-3,4-dicarboxyphenylglycine (DCPG), and by knock downing it with mGluR8 siRNA. We then evaluated the changes in animal pain threshold levels in the face of painful thermal stimuli (thermal hyperalgesia).

Purpose: Although several mechanisms have been examined for central neuropathic pain, researchers have so far failed to find the precise mechanism for the development and progression of this type of pain. Read More

Wound Manag Prev 2020 Jan;66(1):14-23

St. Joseph's Health Care London, London, Ontario.

Electrical stimulation (E-Stim) involves applying low levels of electrical current. Despite high-level recommendations for E-stim use in many pressure injury (PrI) best practice treatment guidelines, clinicians seldom use E-Stim.

Purpose: This quasi-experimental design study aimed to determine whether an educational program could improve health care providers' knowledge and attitudes regarding the use of E-Stim for treating PrIs in community-dwelling individuals with spinal cord injury living in 1 region of Ontario, Canada. Read More

Sci Rep 2020 May 26;10(1):8648. Epub 2020 May 26.

Department of Physiology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, United States of America.

The significance of activated microglia around motoneurons axotomized after nerve injuries has been intensely debated. In particular, whether microglia become phagocytic is controversial. To resolve these issues we directly observed microglia behaviors with two-photon microscopy in ex vivo spinal cord slices from CX3CR1-GFP mice complemented with confocal analyses of CD68 protein. Read More

J Bone Jt Infect 2020 26;5(2):67-75. Epub 2020 Mar 26.

NHS Lothian Infection Service, Regional Infectious Diseases Unit, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, U.K.

: Pressure ulcer-related pelvic osteomyelitis is a relatively under-studied entity in the field of bone infection. We sought to add to the limited evidence base for managing this challenging syndrome. : Cases were identified retrospectively from a surgical database and hospital discharge codes at a U. Read More

Can J Neurol Sci 2020 May 26:1-12. Epub 2020 May 26.

British Columbia Centre for Complex Nerve Injury, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

Nerve transfer surgery (NT) for patients with nerve and spinal cord injuries can result in dramatic functional improvements. As a result, interdisciplinary complex nerve injury programs (CNIPs) have been established in many Canadian centres, providing electrodiagnostic and surgical consultations in a single encounter. We sought to determine which allied health care services are included in Canadian CNIPs, at the 3rd Annual Canadian Peripheral Nerve Symposium. Read More

West J Nurs Res 2020 May 25:193945920926436. Epub 2020 May 25.

Shepherd Center, Atlanta, GA, USA.

The purpose of this study was to develop and test the efficacy of a pre-discharge, medication management intervention to improve perceived knowledge and perceived confidence for post-discharge medication management for rehabilitation patients with spinal cord injuries (SCIs) and families of patients with SCIs or acquired brain injuries (ABIs). We used a quasi-experimental, matched-pair design. Treatment participants ( = 112) completed the intervention with pre- and post-tests assessing perceived knowledge and perceived confidence for post-discharge medication management. Read More

Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2020 May 20. Epub 2020 May 20.

Department for Health, University of Bath. Electronic address:

Objective: To determine the effects of exercise on individual cardiometabolic syndrome (CMS) risk factors in adults with chronic spinal cord injury (SCI).

Data Sources: English language searches of PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, and Scopus (01/01/1970 to 31/07/2019).

Study Selection: Articles were included if they met the following criteria: (1) original articles with statistical analysis, (2) participants were adults with a SCI sustained ≥ 1-year ago, (3) exercise intervention duration ≥ 2 weeks, and (4) included any CMS risk factor as an outcome. Read More

Spinal Cord 2020 May 22. Epub 2020 May 22.

Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Japan Organization of Occupational Health and Safety, Spinal Injuries Center, Fukuoka, Japan.

Study Design: Retrospective statistical analysis of database.

Objectives: Prediction of the Spinal Cord Independence Measure version III Total Score (SCIM-TS) at 6 months after injury based on physical findings at 1 month after injury is an important index for rehabilitation approach in the recovery phase.

Setting: Spinal Injuries Center, Fukuoka, Japan. Read More

Medicine (Baltimore) 2020 May;99(20):e20216

Department of Spine Surgery, Guizhou Orthopedics Hospital, Guiyang, China.

To determine the short-term clinical outcomes of single-segment cervical spondylotic radiculopathy treated with posterior percutaneous endoscopic cervical discectomy (PPECD).Data of a total of 24 patients who underwent PPECD and local anesthesia for single-level segmental cervical spondylotic radiculopathy between March 2016 and December 2017 were reviewed. The Japanese Orthopaedic Association, visual analog scale (VAS), and neck disability index scores at preoperative 1 day, postoperative 1 day, 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year were recorded. Read More

Medicina (B Aires) 2020 ;80(3):275-279

Servicio de Neurología, Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Optic neuromyelitis spectrum diseases are inflammatory disorders of the central nervous system characterized by severe demyelination and immunomediated axonal damage that mainly affects the optic nerves and spinal cord. They usually appear at an early age, although there are some reports in the literature of patients with late presentations. We present the case of a 78-year-old woman who consulted for severe paraparesis, sensory disorders, and urinary retention. Read More

Mult Scler Relat Disord 2020 May 11;43:102166. Epub 2020 May 11.

Department of Neurosurgery & Brain and Nerve Research Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, 215006, China. Electronic address:

Background: Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD) are autoimmune inflammatory disorders in central nervous system (CNS) characterized by symptoms of optic nerve, spinal cord, brainstem and cerebrum injuries. Recent studies have shown that monoclonal antibodies (Rituximab, Eculizumab, Inebilizumab, Satralizumab, etc.) were effective for the treatment of NMOSD. Read More

Curr Neuropharmacol 2020 May 22. Epub 2020 May 22.

Department of Biomedical Engineering, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey. United States.

Traumatic injury to the spinal cord (SCI) and brain (TBI) are serious health problems and affect many people every year throughout the world. These devastating injuries are affecting not only patients but also their families socially as well as financially. SCI and TBI lead to neurological dysfunction besides continuous inflammation, ischemia, and necrosis followed by progressive neurodegeneration. Read More

World Neurosurg 2020 May 10. Epub 2020 May 10.

Emergency Intensive Care Ward, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China 450052.

Background: Patients with cervical spinal cord injuries (CSCIs) may require to undergo tracheostomy. However, in patients undergoing anterior cervical fusion (ACF), percutaneous dilational tracheostomy (PDT) may be delayed given the risk of cross-contamination. We aimed to evaluate the risk of surgical site infection (SSI) in early PDT in patients with traumatic CSCI after ACF. Read More

World Neurosurg 2020 May 8. Epub 2020 May 8.

Department of Spine Surgery, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, No.126 Xiantai Street, Changchun 130033, Jilin, P.R. China. Electronic address:

Objective: The relationship between urgent decompression and neurologic recovery for traumatic spinal cord injury (TSCI) remains controversial. This meta-analysis is conducted to determine the beneficial effects of surgery within 8 hours for TSCI patients.

Methods: A systematic search in Embase, MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, and PubMed for relevant studies was conducted from the earliest records up to December 2019. Read More

Neurocrit Care 2020 May 20. Epub 2020 May 20.

Academic Neurosurgery Unit, St. George's, University of London, London, UK.

Background/objective: We have recently developed monitoring from the injury site in patients with acute, severe traumatic spinal cord injuries to facilitate their management in the intensive care unit. This is analogous to monitoring from the brain in patients with traumatic brain injuries. This study aims to determine whether, after traumatic spinal cord injury, fluctuations in the monitored physiological, and metabolic parameters at the injury site are causally linked to changes in limb power. Read More

BMC Psychol 2020 May 20;8(1):51. Epub 2020 May 20.

Center of Excellence for Rehabilitation Medicine, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, and De Hoogstraat Rehabilitation, Utrecht, the Netherlands.

Background: Many significant others of persons with serious conditions like spinal cord injury (SCI) and acquired brain injury (ABI) report high levels of psychological distress. In line with the stress-coping model, the aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship between personal resource resilience and psychological distress, and whether appraisals of threat and loss, and passive coping mediate this relationship.

Methods: Significant others (n = 228) of persons with SCI or ABI completed questionnaires shortly after admission to first inpatient rehabilitation after onset of the condition. Read More

Spinal Cord Ser Cases 2019 May 21;5(1):49. Epub 2019 May 21.

Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, Moshi, Tanzania.

Introduction: Cultural and socioeconomic factors influence the risk of sustaining a Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury (TSCI). The standard of management and rehabilitation available to TSCI patients differs greatly between high-income and low-income countries.

Case Presentation: We report a 17-year-old male bird hunter, with no prior medical history, presenting with paraplegia and sensory loss from the xiphoid process down after being struck by an arrow in the left lateral side of the neck. Read More

JMIR Mhealth Uhealth 2020 May 20;8(5):e15818. Epub 2020 May 20.

Swiss Paraplegic Research, Nottwil, Switzerland.

Background: Technological solutions, particularly mobile health (mHealth), have been shown to be potentially viable approaches for sustaining individuals' self-management of chronic health conditions. Theory-based interventions are more successful, as evidence-based information is an essential prerequisite for appropriate self-management. However, several reviews have shown that many existing mobile apps fail to be either theoretically grounded or based on evidence. Read More

Front Mol Neurosci 2020 30;13:68. Epub 2020 Apr 30.

Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, United States.

Motoneurons axotomized by peripheral nerve injuries experience profound changes in their synaptic inputs that are associated with a neuroinflammatory response that includes local microglia and astrocytes. This reaction is conserved across different types of motoneurons, injuries, and species, but also displays many unique features in each particular case. These reactions have been amply studied, but there is still a lack of knowledge on their functional significance and mechanisms. Read More

Eur Spine J 2020 May 19. Epub 2020 May 19.

Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada.

Purpose: To identify specific morphological characteristics in thoracolumbar burst fractures associated with neurological outcome after severe traumatic spinal cord injury (TSCI).

Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the clinical and radiological (CT scan morphological characteristics) data of 25 consecutive patients admitted for TSCI secondary to a burst fracture at levels from T11 to L2 between 2010 and 2017 in single level-1 trauma center. We included severe TSCI, defined as American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale (AIS) grade A, B or C. Read More

Spinal Cord Ser Cases 2020 May 18;6(1):42. Epub 2020 May 18.

Sidney Kimmel Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University, 1100 Walnut Street, Suite 601, Philadelphia, PA, 19107, USA.

Introduction: Arterial ulcers develop as a complication of tissue hypoperfusion, ordinarily from atherosclerotic disease, but sometimes due to other medical conditions or trauma. While people with spinal cord injury (SCI) may be predisposed to resting hypotension, and, hence, to inadequate peripheral circulation, there are no reports of arterial ulcers as a secondary effect of SCI.

Case Presentation: A 54-year-old woman with long standing cervical SCI presented with a nonhealing lateral malleolar ulcer that was complicated by osteomyelitis and unresponsive to biweekly debridement. Read More

Trauma Case Rep 2020 Jun 7;27:100298. Epub 2020 May 7.

Manoel André Hospital Complex, Arapiraca, State of Alagoas, Brazil.

Spinal trauma is rare in children, but when it occurs, trauma of the cervical spine corresponds to 60%-80% of all cases. The most common causes of pediatric cervical spine injuries are automobile accidents, sports activities, and leisure-related accidents. Herein we report a surgically-treated case of cervical spine trauma with fractures of multiple vertebrae. Read More

Sci Rep 2020 May 15;10(1):8125. Epub 2020 May 15.

Academic Neurosurgery Unit, Molecular and Clinical Sciences Institute, St. George's, University of London, London, UK.

In five patients with acute, severe thoracic traumatic spinal cord injuries (TSCIs), American spinal injuries association Impairment Scale (AIS) grades A-C, we induced cord hypothermia (33 °C) then rewarming (37 °C). A pressure probe and a microdialysis catheter were placed intradurally at the injury site to monitor intraspinal pressure (ISP), spinal cord perfusion pressure (SCPP), tissue metabolism and inflammation. Cord hypothermia-rewarming, applied to awake patients, did not cause discomfort or neurological deterioration. Read More

Accid Anal Prev 2020 May 12;142:105571. Epub 2020 May 12.

Faculty of Health, Medicine, and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands.

Background: Cervical spine injury is a common result of traffic crashes, and such injuries range in severity from minor (i.e. sprain/strain) to moderate (intervertebral disk derangement) to serious and greater (fractures, dislocations, and spinal cord injuries). Read More

Medicines (Basel) 2020 May 12;7(5). Epub 2020 May 12.

Department of Neurosurgery, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA.

Background: Although many therapeutic approaches have been attempted to treat spinal cord injury, cellular transplantation offers the greatest promise in reconstituting the architecture of the damaged cord.

Methods: A literature review was conducted to search for clinical trials investigating stem cells as treatment for spinal cord injury in the United States.

Results: Overall, eight studies met inclusion criteria. Read More

World Neurosurg 2020 May 11. Epub 2020 May 11.

Department of Spine Services, Indian Spinal Injuries Centre, Vasant kunj, Sector C, New Delhi. Pin: 110070.

Introduction: Sympathetic system injury is a known but rare complication in scoliosis deformity correction. It is not common following posterior correction. We report case of diastematomyelia with neuromuscular scoliosis with unusual complication of sympathetic outflow disturbance, after posterior instrumented correction. Read More

Br J Nurs 2020 May;29(9):526-532

Professor, Nursing Department, Graduate Nursing Programme, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Brazil.

Aim: To understand the meaning of hope among individuals with spinal cord injury.

Design: A qualitative study employing the ethnographic method was used, with 18 individuals.

Method: Participant observation was chosen to understand individuals with spinal cord injury and interviews were used to elicit information about the hope experience. Read More

J Spinal Cord Med 2020 May 14:1-6. Epub 2020 May 14.

Spinal Cord System of Care, National Rehabilitation Hospital, Dún Laoghaire, Co. Dublin, Ireland.

To carry out a study of non-traumatic spinal cord injury (NTSCI) epidemiology in Ireland Prospective study of all new incident cases of NTSCI during 2017 Republic of Ireland: All persons with a newly acquired NTSCI: None: Crude and age/sex specific incidences; ISCoS core dataset and non-traumatic dataset; population denominator was 2016 national census figures, adjusted to 2017. Overall crude incidence of NTSCI in the Republic of Ireland in 2017 was 26.9 per million per year. Read More

J Spinal Cord Med 2020 May 14:1-8. Epub 2020 May 14.

Spinal Cord Injury Care Line, Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, Houston Texas, USA.

Following a spinal cord injury or disability (SCI/D), cognitive appraisals are a marker of psychological adjustment. The present study evaluated the clinical utility and discriminant validity of the Appraisals of DisAbility Primary and Secondary Scale - Short Form (ADAPSS-sf). The ADAPSS-sf was evaluated on 1. Read More

Eur J Phys Rehabil Med 2020 May 14. Epub 2020 May 14.

Spinal Unit, Montecatone Rehabilitation Institute, Imola, Bologna, Italy.

COVID-19 pandemic is creating collateral damage to persons with disabling conditions of different aetiology. The restrictions imposed to contain the spread of infection is limiting the access to many health services, including rehabilitation. It is expected that such situation will lead to long lasting negative consequences for persons with disability, increasing functional limitations in chronic conditions and hindering the recovery after acute events. Read More

Spinal Cord Ser Cases 2020 05 13;6(1):39. Epub 2020 May 13.

Department of Rehabilitation, Hospital Nacional de Parapléjicos de Toledo, Toledo, Spain.

Study Design: Cohort study of patients with spinal cord injury (SCI).

Objectives: To describe the clinical and analytical features of a coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) infected cohort with SCI to enable accurate diagnosis and to outline prevention measures.

Setting: This study was conducted at the National Hospital for Paraplegics (Toledo, Spain). Read More

Spinal Cord Ser Cases 2020 05 13;6(1):38. Epub 2020 May 13.

South Texas Veterans Health Care System, San Antonio, TX, USA.

Neuroradiol J 2020 May 13:1971400920923284. Epub 2020 May 13.

Division of Neuroradiology, Department of Medical Imaging, Toronto Western Hospital, Canada.

Objective: This study aimed to describe the imaging spectrum of developmental anomalies of the lateral portion of the cervical neural arch.

Method: This was a five-year retrospective review of consecutive computed tomography (CT) scans of the cervical spine for structural anomalies of the cervical vertebral pedicle and facets. CT, radiographs and, when available, magnetic resonance imaging studies were independently reviewed. Read More

J Spinal Cord Med 2020 May 12:1-5. Epub 2020 May 12.

Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.

Heterotopic ossification is characterized by abnormal growth of bone in soft tissues. Neurogenic heterotopic ossification is also closely related to central nervous system injuries and has been reported to respond to radial extracorporeal shock wave therapy. In this case, a radial extracorporeal shock wave therapy (five times per week, lasted for almost one year) was applied to a patient with neurogenic heterotopic ossification on the left hip as a result of spinal cord injury. Read More

Spinal Cord Ser Cases 2020 05 11;6(1):35. Epub 2020 May 11.

Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Long School of Medicine, The University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX, USA.

An outbreak of a novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) that emerged in the Chinese city of Wuhan has rapidly become a global public health pandemic. As of March 2020, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has described priority levels for testing patients with suspected COVID-19 and information on when to seek medical attention. However, there is a paucity of further guidance for people with spinal cord injury (SCI) who may not present with typical symptoms of COVID-19 due to altered physiology. Read More

Ann Rehabil Med 2020 Apr 29;44(2):131-141. Epub 2020 Apr 29.

Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, National Rehabilitation Center, Seoul, Korea.

Objective: To compare the energy efficiency of gait with knee-ankle-foot orthosis (KAFO) and robot-assisted gait and to develop a usability questionnaire to evaluate the satisfaction of walking devices in paraplegic patients with spinal cord injuries.

Methods: Thirteen patients with complete paraplegia participated and 10 completed the evaluation. They were trained to walk with KAFO (KAFO-gait) or a ReWalk robot (ReWalk-gait) for 4 weeks (20 sessions). Read More