Outcome after post-acute spinal cord speciﬁc rehabilitation: a German single center study

Spinal Cord Series and Cases, 2017 · DOI: 10.1038/scsandc.2017.55 · Published: September 7, 2017

Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation Research Methodology & Design

Simple Explanation

This study looks at the results of spinal cord injury rehabilitation in a German center. It analyzes factors that predict how well patients recover, such as age, injury severity, and length of stay in the hospital and rehabilitation center. The study found that starting rehabilitation early and staying longer in rehabilitation increases the chances of patients becoming more independent.

Study Duration

January 2013 to September 2016

Participants

160 patients (113 men, 47 women)

Evidence Level

Retrospective cohort study

Key Findings

1
Higher values in SCIMstart and LOSreha increase the chance for an SCIMend ⩾50 points, whereas higher values in LOSacute reduce the possibility to reach an SCIMend ⩾50 points.
2
Men experienced signiﬁcantly more cervical SCI than women and presented lower SCIMstart values.
3
Age was negatively correlated with SCIMstart and SCIMend.

Research Summary

This study analyzes outcomes of post-acute spinal cord injury specialized rehabilitation (SCISR) in Germany, finding that early admission to SCISR and longer rehabilitation stays increase the chance for higher independence. The study identifies factors influencing rehabilitation outcomes, including initial SCIM scores, length of stay in acute care and rehabilitation, age, and gender. It highlights differences in SCI treatment and outcomes compared to other countries due to variations in healthcare systems and rehabilitation approaches.

Practical Implications

Early Rehabilitation

Early admission to specialized spinal cord injury rehabilitation is crucial for improving patient outcomes.

Extended Rehabilitation Stay

A longer length of stay in rehabilitation is associated with increased independence for patients.

Gender-Specific Considerations

Men tend to have more cervical spinal cord injuries and lower initial SCIM scores, requiring tailored rehabilitation strategies.

Study Limitations

1
Retrospective approach with inherent limitations.
2
Important factors such as differences in bladder management, magnetic resonance imaging ﬁndings, infections during the course of rehabilitation, pressure sores or pain—all known to inﬂuence outcome—were not addressed.
3
Rehabilitation was interrupted in about 13% of patients under investigation here.

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