Model System:

TBI

Reference Type:

JA

Accession No.:

J32563.

Journal:


Journal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation

Year, Volume, Issue, Page(s):

, 11, 5, 15-26

Publication Website:

Abstract:

Article in a special issue dedicated to research findings from the National Institute of Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR) Traumatic Brain Injury Model Systems (TBIMS). (See AN XJ32562 to XJ32568 for the articles.) This article describes a study that examined the impact of acute complications, fractures, and motor deficits on length of stay (LOS) and functional outcome following traumatic brain injury (TBI). Data were collected prospectively for 637 consecutive patients admitted to four TBIMS centers between February 1989 and June 1995. One year follow up data were available for 270 patients. Respiratory complications occurred in 39% of the patients and were associated with increased acute and rehabilitation LOS. Gastrostomies or jejunostomies were placed in 44% of patients and were associated with swallowing and feeding problems at rehabilitation admission and discharge. The presence of upper extremity, lower extremity, or pelvic fractures was associated with increased acute and rehabilitation LOS, but only lower extremity fractures were associated with the need for assistance with mobility and self care. All associations diminished by one year post injury.

Author(s):


Englander, J. S., Cifu, D. X., Wright, J., Zafonte, R., Mann, N., Yablon, S., Ivanhoe, C.

Participating Centers: