Model System:

SCI

Reference Type:

Journal article

Accession No.:

J90744

Journal:

Archives of Rehabilitation Research and Clinical Translation

Year, Volume, Issue, Page(s):

, 4, 4, 100238

Publication Website:

Abstract:

Study assessed changes in carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) symptoms and median nerve (MN) ultrasound parameters occurring between discharge from initial rehabilitation and 1 year post discharge in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI). Thirty-four participants with acute SCI evaluated for CTS using quantitative ultrasound were compared to 35 participants without SCI (non-SCI). The average age in both groups was 28 and the SCI group included 30 males and 2 females, and the non-SCI group included 30 males and 3 females. The primary outcome was the change in quantitative ultrasound parameters of the MN, including cross-sectional area (CSA) and grayscale, from baseline to 1-year follow-up in those with SCI and those without SCI. CTS symptomatology and physical exam sum score and ultrasound measures for dominant and nondominant arms were considered secondary outcomes. The SCI had darker nerves at baseline, greater CTS symptoms at follow-up, and no differences in all change scores. Individuals with smaller nerves at baseline had larger increases in nerve size vs those with larger nerves. Change in CTS symptoms CSA (nondominant) and nerve echogenicity (dominant) were inversely associated with their respective baseline values. Few differences were observed between the SCI group and the non-SCI control group and between those with smaller vs larger MN. In general, MN pathology changes over 1 year were more common in the nondominant arm and appear to be a function of MN pathology at enrollment. Findings suggest that individuals with SCI may experience increased CTS symptoms as soon as 1 year after injury.

Author(s):

Le, Minh Quan T.|Felix, Elizabeth R.|Irwin, Robert|Cardenas, Diana D.|Cowan, Rachel E.

Participating Centers: