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Shoulder pain in acute traumatic quadriplegia
1University of Michigan, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Ann Arbor 48109.
Paraplegia
|January 1, 1991
Summary
Shoulder pain is common in traumatic quadriplegia patients during rehabilitation. Early shoulder exercises in acute care are crucial for managing and preventing this pain.
Area of Science:
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- Neurology
- Orthopedics
Background:
- Shoulder pain is a frequent complication following spinal cord injury.
- Traumatic quadriplegia presents unique challenges for upper limb function and pain management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence and risk factors of shoulder pain in patients with traumatic quadriplegia during initial rehabilitation.
- To evaluate the outcomes of shoulder pain at discharge.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective study of 52 patients with traumatic quadriplegia admitted to a spinal cord injury program.
- Analysis of medical records for documented shoulder pain, duration, laterality, and associated risk factors.
- Assessment of pain status at discharge.
Main Results:
- 75% of patients experienced shoulder pain during initial rehabilitation, with 60% experiencing it for 2 weeks or more.
- Bilateral shoulder pain was reported in 61% of cases.
- Positive risk factors included age over 50, decreased shoulder range of motion, and delayed initiation of shoulder exercises.
Conclusions:
- Shoulder pain is highly prevalent in traumatic quadriplegia during early rehabilitation.
- Initiating shoulder exercises early in acute care is vital for mitigating shoulder pain incidence and severity.