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Etiological and functional evaluation of the pediatric population with spinal cord injuries
1Department of Physical Medicine, Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara.
Insights
This study analyzed 217 pediatric patients with spinal cord injuries, identifying tumors as the leading cause. Rehabilitation programs are crucial for improving functional status in these young individuals.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- Pediatric Medicine
Background:
- Spinal cord lesions cause significant motor, sensory, and autonomic dysfunction.
- Pediatric spinal cord injuries present unique challenges in diagnosis and management.
- Rehabilitation is essential for maximizing functional recovery in patients with spinal cord injuries.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the etiological factors and functional status of pediatric patients with spinal cord injuries.
- To evaluate the impact of a rehabilitation program on functional outcomes.
- To provide insights into the management of spinal cord injuries in a pediatric population.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective analysis of 217 paraplegic and quadriplegic patients undergoing rehabilitation.
- Patients were assessed based on age, sex, etiology, and functional status using Frankel's scale.
- Etiological factors were categorized, including tumors, infections, congenital abnormalities, vascular lesions, trauma, and degenerative disorders.
Main Results:
- The study included 43 pediatric patients (1-16 years) with spinal cord injuries.
- Tumors were the most common etiological factor (44.1%), followed by infections (20.93%).
- Functional status was assessed using Frankel's scale, with results discussed in relation to rehabilitation.
Conclusions:
- Tumors represent a significant cause of spinal cord lesions in the pediatric population studied.
- Comprehensive rehabilitation programs are vital for improving the functional status of children with spinal cord injuries.
- Understanding etiological factors is key to tailoring effective treatment and rehabilitation strategies.
Abstract:
Spinal cord lesions are the result of many etiological factors and are associated with motor, sensorial and autonomic dysfunctions. The subjects evaluated were a total of 217 paraplegics and quadriplegics who had been enrolled in a rehabilitation program during the last five years conducted by the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation of the Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine. Forty-three of these patients were in the pediatric age group. In this clinical trial, the patients with spinal cord injuries were examined according to their age, sex, etiological factors and functional status. Frankel's scale was used for functional assessment. The mean age of patients was 9.19 +/- 4.19 years and varied between 1-16 years. The results of our classification according to etiological factors were as follows: Nineteen patients with tumors (44.1%), nine patients with infections (20.93%), five patients with congenital abnormalities (11.63%), five patients with vascular lesions (11.63%), four patients with trauma (9.30%), and one patient with a degenerative central nervous system disorder (2.32%). The effect of the rehabilitation program on the functional status of the patients is discussed.