Durable medical equipment for children with spinal cord dysfunction: implications of age and level of injury.
BACKGROUND
Children with spinal cord dysfunction interact with their environment in different ways than their able-bodied peers. To enable them to participate in typical, age-appropriate activities, they must be provided with various types of equipment. Choosing from available options involves a team approach.


CONCLUSIONS
This article discusses general types of durable medical equipment for mobility (wheelchairs, strollers, standers), communication (including augmentative communication devices and computers), self-care, and recreation. Provision of this equipment for these children enhances their ability to learn and to take part in everyday activities and improves their quality of life.
Nelson
Virginia S
VS
Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Michigan Medical School, 325 E. Eisenhower, Ann Arbor, MI 48108, USA. vsnelson@umich.edu
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000367:Age Factors; D000375:Aging; D004389:Durable Medical Equipment; D006801:Humans; D013118:Spinal Cord Diseases / Q000473:pathology* / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*