Chinese Journal of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 2010;32(5):359-362

doi:10.3760/cma.j.issn.0254-1424.2010.05.010

Rehabilitation outcomes for 51 earthquake victims with spinal cord injury

Yongqiang LI ; Ying LIU ; Mingpu DING ; Jianan LI ; Xia ZHANG ; Sijing CHEN ; Wenchao YI

Keywords

Earthquakes; Rehabilitation; Spinal cord injury

Country

China

Language

Chinese

Abstract

Objective To analyze the outcomes of clinical management and rehabilitation interventions for earthquake victims with spinal cord injury. Methods Comprehensive rehabilitation intervention was conducted for 3 to 4 months with 51 earthquake victims with spinal cord injuries. The study involved their physical examination and on site interviews during hospitalization, and follow-up by telephone. Etiology, severity, complications and outcomes of rehabilitation and clinical management were analyzed. Results In 9.8% of the patients the spinal cord injury was at C7 or above, 5.9% at C8 to T6 , 68.6% at T7 to L2 , 13.7% at L3 to S2 and 2.0% at S2 or below. There were 22 complete injuries and 29 incomplete. After 4 months of training, 76.5% of the wounded reached wheelchair independence, 78.4% ambulated with an orthosis and 88.2% were partially independent in the activities of daily living.Conclusions The comprehensive rehabilitation intervention allowed most of the victims to resume an independent life. Their long-term care remains a challenge.