title: Current utilization of reconstructive upper limb surgery in tetraplegia.
abstract: Despite improved surgical techniques and postoperative management protocols for tetraplegic patients undergoing upper extremity functional reconstruction, recent studies have shown that these procedures are profoundly underutilized in the United States. The complex disabilities of tetraplegic patients limit their ability to independently obtain treatment information and travel to medical destinations to receive reconstructive procedures, thus making them a vulnerable patient population susceptible to physician influence regarding treatment decisions. Based on the results of previous research, we believe that increased collaboration among treating physician specialties will enhance patient access to surgical reconstruction.
authors.affiliation: The University of Michigan Medical School, 1500 E. Medical Center Drive, 2130 Taubman Center, SPC 5340, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
authors.forename: Lee
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Squitieri
authors.forename: Kevin C
authors.initials: KC
authors.lastname: Chung
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D019637:Orthopedic Procedures / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011782:Quadriplegia / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D013119:Spinal Cord Injuries / Q000150:complications; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D034941:Upper Extremity