Recovery of ambulation in motor-incomplete tetraplegia.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the effect of age and initial neurologic status on recovery of ambulation in patients with motor-incomplete tetraplegia.


METHODS
Inception cohort study.


METHODS
Urban, tertiary care hospital with Regional Spinal Cord Injury Center.


METHODS
One hundred five patients with American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) C or D tetraplegia at admission or within 72 hours of injury.


METHODS
Ambulatory status at time of discharge from inpatient rehabilitation.


RESULTS
Ninety-one percent (30/33) of ASIA C patients younger than 50 years of age became ambulatory by discharge, versus 42% (13/31) ASIA C patients age 50 or older (p < .0001). All (41/41) patients initially classified as ASIA D became ambulatory by discharge.


CONCLUSIONS
For patients with ASIA D tetraplegia, prognosis for recovery of independent ambulation is excellent. For patients with ASIA C tetraplegia, recovery of ambulation is significantly less likely if age is 50 years or older.
Burns
S P
SP
Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
Golding
D G
DG
Rolle
W A
WA
Graziani
V
V
Ditunno
J F
JF
D000367:Age Factors; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D015331:Cohort Studies; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009048:Motor Skills; D009068:Movement; D009460:Neurologic Examination; D011379:Prognosis; D011782:Quadriplegia / Q000145:classification / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D013119:Spinal Cord Injuries / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D016138:Walking