Elective bilateral above the knee amputation in T4-complete spinal cord injury: a case report.
METHODS
This case study outlines an individual with a T4 complete level injury with Ashworth scale grade 4 spasticity of the lower extremities.


OBJECTIVE
To discuss a treatment option for this individual with spinal cord injury (SCI) who had a variety of functional impairments, disabilities, and medical complications based on his level of injury.


METHODS
The department of physical medicine and rehabilitation at Kaiser Permanente in San Diego, California.


METHODS
The patient's lower extremity spasticity contributed to pressure ulcers of his hips and feet as well as comfort and functional issues with his instrumental activities of daily living (ADLs). After failing medical therapies to control spasticity, and much discussion, bilateral above the knee amputations were performed.


RESULTS
The patient had resolution of his SCI medical complications and a marked improvement in his quality of life.


CONCLUSIONS
This case study discusses a treatment option for a SCI-complete patient whose lower extremities had become detrimental to his function and general well being.
Jaffe
M S
MS
Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Kaiser Permanente, San Diego, CA 92123, USA. Michael.s.jaffe@kp.org
D000671:Amputation, Surgical / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D007717:Knee / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009128:Muscle Spasticity / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery; D013119:Spinal Cord Injuries / Q000150:complications* / Q000534:rehabilitation / Q000601:surgery*