Gait recovery in patients with late assessment of incomplete spinal cord injury: A retrospective study in Argentina

Abstract

Study design: Retrospective data analysis study.

Objectives: To assess gait recovery rates in subjects with motor incomplete spinal cord injury (SCI) at the start of rehabilitation and to report their gait performance.

Setting: Tertiary inpatient Rehabilitation Center in Argentina.

Methods: The study analyzed data from 143 individuals with traumatic and non-traumatic SCI (AIS/ASIA Impairment Scale C and D) within 90 days of injury, all non-ambulatory upon admission. Gait status at discharge was evaluated using the 6-minute walk test and the Walking Index for Spinal Cord Injury II (WISCI II). Statistical evaluations utilized Pearson chi-square and Mann-Whitney U-tests. Approval was obtained from Fleni's Ethics Committee.

Results: Among the 65 patients with AIS C, 69% regained walking function, compared to 87% of the 74 patients with AIS D (p = 0.01). Walkers had a mean total motor score of 67 (±19) versus 51.7 (±25.5) for non-walkers (p = 0.002), and a total pinprick sensation score of 69.8 (± 27.5) vs. 49.5 (± 29) (p = 0.001). Additionally, 54% of AIS C and 86% of AIS D patients aged ≥ 50 regained walking ability; however, age-related differences were statistically significant only in AIS C group (p = 0,015). AIS D patients walked a mean of 249 meters (±134), while AIS C walked 207 meters (±128) (p = 0.07). The median WISCI II score between the two groups were not statistically significant.

Conclusions: Most patients with incomplete motor SCI who participated in inpatient rehabilitation regained walking, with motor score and pinprick sensation correlating to walking ability. Gait performance was comparable between AIS C and D.