TREATMENT AND EVALUATION OF LOCOMOTIVE CAPABILITY OF PATIENTS AFTER TRAUMATIC SPINAL CORD INJURY


Department of Rehabilitation and Orthopaedics,  Medical University of Lublin 

Introduction
Progress of civilization increases amount of patients after traffic accidents suffering from spine and spinal cord injuries resulting in paralysis and paresis of limbs. Basing on many years’ experience in treatment and process of functional ability enhancement of these patients, general rules of treatment, possibilities of verticalization and orthopaedic appliances enabling locomotive function of the patients would be presented. The study concentrates on the level of spinal cord injury connected with the ability to move which allows to gain independence.

Purpose
The aim of the study is to present rules of evaluation and treatment of locomotive capability after traumatic injury of spinal cord. 

Methods
The study consisted of 28 patients (5 women and 23 men, aged 16-64) after traumatic injury on various levels of spinal cord treated in the Rehabilitation and Orthopaedics Department in 2012-2016. Time span after injury was 1-2 months with time of hospitalisation 6-19 weeks. The treatment was based on individual approach according to the level of spinal cord injury. Patients functional ability was enhanced according to ward rules. During learning of appropriate movement orthopaedic appliances were introduced. 

Results 
The process of functional ability enhancement  of patients suffering from traumatic injury of spinal cord allowed to gain locomotive capability. Movement ability varied according to the level of spinal cord injury and personal involvement in rehabilitation.

Conclusions 
1.	Individual approach to patient in the process of functional ability enhancement is expedient.
2.	 Patient’s attitude is fundamental in the process of achieving possible functional ability. 
3.	“Active compliance” is a crucial element influencing the success of the therapy.