Postural changes with aging in tetraplegia: effects on life satisfaction and pain

(1) To measure kyphosis and scoliosis in individuals with tetraplegia; (2) to examine the relation between kyphosis and scoliosis and years since injury; and (3) to determine the association between kyphosis and scoliosis and measures of pain, depression, and life satisfaction.

Cross-sectional, case-control study.

University medical center and a free-standing university-affiliated rehabilitation hospital.

(1) Ten individuals with tetraplegia I to 3 years postinjury (NT); (2) 10 individuals with tetraplegia 10 to 20 years postinjury (OT); and (3) 10 control individuals (C) matched to the other subjects on the basis of age, height, and weight.

Radiographic measurements of kyphosis and scoliosis taken in a seated position, pain as measured by the short form of the McGill Pain Questionnaire (SF-MPQ), depression as measured by the Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression Scale (CES-D), and life satisfaction as measured by the Life Satisfaction Index Assessment (LSIA) and the Craig Handicap Assessment and Reporting Technique (CHART).

No significant differences were seen between the OT and NT groups with respect to age, height, or weight. In addition, no significant differences were found between the NT and OT groups with respect to measures of kyphosis and scoliosis. Individuals with tetraplegia had significantly higher (p < .05) measures of kyphosis (42 + 16.0 ) and scoliosis (14 degrees +/-9.2 degrees) than the C subjects (kyphosis, 32 degrees +/- 7.9 degrees ; scoliosis, 5 degrees+/-3.8 degrees). No correlation was found between scores on the SF-MPQ and degree of kyphosis or scoliosis. Significant differences were seen between the NT and OT groups on both CES-D (NT, 15.2+/-8.1; OT, 5.8+/-5.5) and LSIA (NT, 9.9+/-2.8; OT, 14.4+/-2.9).

This study indicates that seated kyphosis and scoliosis develop early in individuals with tetraplegia and may not be progressive. No association was seen between pain and kyphosis or scoliosis in this relatively young sample (mean age of OT and NT combined, 34.8 years). Future research is needed to determine whether pain becomes a problem in individuals with significant kyphosis or scoliosis as they age.