Effect of Co-Morbid Traumatic Brain Injury on Functional Outcome of Persons with Spinal Cord Injuries

OBJECTIVE

This study was undertaken to determine if persons who sustain a spinal cord injury (SCI) and co-morbid brain injury (dual diagnosis [DDS]) evidence smaller functional gains and experience significantly longer rehabilitation lengths of stay than persons with only an SCI.

DESIGN

This retrospective comparison study was performed at a 100-bed rehabilitation hospital specializing in acute SCI and traumatic brain injury rehabilitation. Summary scale outcome data of persons who sustained an SCI were compared with outcome data of a group of persons with a DDS. Comparisons were established by matching groups principally on level of SCI and admission Motor FIM trade mark score and secondarily on education, sex, and age. Outcome measures included admission Motor and Cognitive FIM score, discharge Motor and Cognitive FIM score, Motor and Cognitive FIM change, length of stay, and rehabilitation charges.

RESULTS

Persons with a DDS evidenced a significantly more impaired Cognitive FIM score at admission and discharge from rehabilitation. Persons with a DDS also achieved a significantly lower Motor FIM change than persons with SCI. There were no significant differences between DDS and SCI groups regarding Cognitive FIM change, length of stay, or rehabilitation charges. Injury severity as defined by the Glasgow Coma Scale or intracranial lesions did not predict response to treatment in the DDS group.

CONCLUSION

Persons with a DDS achieved smaller functional gains during rehabilitation than peers with SCI. Brain injuries seem to limit functional gains, although the relationship between brain injury severity and functional change is not linear. Prospective studies are needed to identify factors limiting functional gains in rehabilitation and assist in developing specific treatment programs for persons with SCI and brain injury.

Simultaneous distal radius and hip fractures in elderly patients--implications to rehabilitation

PURPOSE

The reasons for fractures in the elderly patients are multifactorial. Osteoporosis is considered to be the main pathology. Other reasons are the increase in fall frequency and the protective response to trauma. The most common sites at which these fractures occur are the hip, vertebra and distal radius. A combination of these is uncommon.

METHODS

All patients who were treated between January 1990 and December 2000 with a combination of distal radius and hip fractures and were older than 65-years were retrospectively evaluated. The following parameters were evaluated: age; sex; pre fall function; use of drugs; chronic and acute comorbidity; circumstance of the fall; hospitalization length of stay; treatment procedure; complications; and post-hospitalization rehabilitation.

RESULTS

Forty-six patients met the study's criteria. Group I consisted of 16 patients between 65-80 years, and group II consisted of the remaining 30 patients older than 80 years. All patients suffered low energy trauma. Ten out of the 16 patients in group I, and eight out of the 30 patients in group II were totally independent, while the remaining patients needed some help with activity of daily living (ADL). In all patients the simultaneous fractures were ipsilaterally. For 45 patients hospital stay ranged from 5-23 days. Twenty-eight patients were transferred to a geriatric rehabilitation centre. Twenty-six of them returned to their previous ADL after a period of 60 days on average. Among the 18 remaining patients, 11 gained full recovery (6 from group I and 5 from group II) and seven patients (5 from group II) had a slight reduction in ADL.

CONCLUSIONS

A combination of these fractures is probably more traumatic and occurs in the higher-age group. It is always located in the ipsilateral side. The double trauma represents a better pre-morbid condition relative to patients in the same age group, and thus it may serve as a prognostic indicator for success in rehabilitation.

Functional recovery after concomitant fractures of both hip and upper limb in elderly people

OBJECTIVE

To investigate functional recovery after concomitant fractures of both hip and upper limb in elderly people.

DESIGN

Survey study.

SETTING

Rehabilitation hospital in Italy.

PARTICIPANTS

586 consecutive in-patients with hip fracture.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Functional recovery was evaluated by using Barthel index score.

RESULTS

4.1% of patients (i.e. 24/586) suffered from a concomitant fracture of an upper limb, involving proximal humerus (n = 8) or distal radius (n = 16). After adjustment for 9 prognostic factors, a significant reduction in the Barthel index score on admission but not on discharge was found in the patients with an upper limb fracture. The length of stay was not significantly associated with the presence of the concomitant upper limb fracture.

CONCLUSIONS

In a sample of hip-fractured patients, neither the functional recovery at the end of a course of rehabilitation nor the length of stay were influenced by the presence of a concomitant fracture involving an upper limb.

Use of a hinged external knee fixator after surgery for knee dislocation

PURPOSE

This study documents short-term clinical outcomes in patients with knee dislocations after blunt trauma and evaluates the compass knee hinge (CKH) external fixator for their treatment.

TYPE OF STUDY

Nonrandomized prospective functional outcome study.

METHODS

Forty patients with 43 knee dislocations were evaluated. Twelve knees underwent ligament reconstruction followed by placement of a CKH; this was group A. Group B included 27 knees that underwent the same treatment and rehabilitation protocol except that an external brace was used rather than a CKH.

RESULTS

Thirty-six patients with 39 knee dislocations underwent follow-up ranging from 14 to 41 months (mean, 24). Four patients with 4 knee dislocations were lost to follow-up (1 group A, 3 group B). Group A underwent 27 knee ligament procedures with 2 (7%) failures based on clinical examination. Group B underwent 102 ligament procedures with 30 (29%) failures (P <.05). Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction revealed that 7 group A patients experienced 1 (14%) failure and 25 Group B patients experienced 7 (28%) failures. Posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) reconstruction in 7 group A patients included no failures, and 20 PCL reconstructions in group B included 1 failure. Reconstruction of the posterolateral corner (PLC) yielded no failures in 2 group A patients and 5 (25%) of 20 in group B. Repair of 8 PLCs in group A yielded 1 (12.5%) failure and 26 PLC repairs in group B had 14 (54%; P =.05). SF-36 data revealed low mean values with no significant differences between groups with current enrollment.

CONCLUSIONS

Knee dislocation after blunt trauma requires aggressive surgical treatment and physical therapy. In the short-term evaluation, the CKH allows aggressive physical therapy without placing repaired or reconstructed ligaments under high stresses that can result in failure.

Quality of life after multiple trauma. Aim and scope of the conference

From September 29 until October 2, 1999, a group of international experts met in Wermelskirchen, Germany, for a consensus conference on "Quality of Life after Multiple Trauma". The meeting was initiated and sponsored by the German Ministry of Education and Research. It was the aim of the group to develop evidence-based guidelines for the systematic evaluation and application of Quality of Life (QoL) measures in patients with severe trauma. The present paper describes the format of the meeting, the selection of the participants, the time schedule, and the proceeding, in order to facilitate the interpretation of the results. The work was structured according to the different types of injury: traumatic brain injury (TBI), multiple injuries without TBI, spinal cord injury, and children with TBI. For each injury group, a specific task force group with 9-13 members was established, consisting of methodologists as well as clinicians from different disciplines. The conference was organised as an alternate sequence of plenary sessions and small working group meetings. The work itself was structured according to the following five questions which have been agreed on and distributed to the participants in advance: 1. What is the major problem (ranking) of the patient at different time points after the accident? 2. Which domains of QoL are affected in the sequelae of trauma? 3. Which instruments are useful to evaluate QoL in trauma patients? 4. Which studies have assessed QoL aspects with which instruments? 5. What instruments should be used in which patient group at what time? The moderators of each task force group summarised the respective results and tried to give recommendations for future application of QoL assessment in trauma patients. As far as possible, the statements should be based on the existing evidence. Furthermore, the groups should recommend QoL measures for use across different patient groups and time points.

Quality of life in patients with multiple injuries--basic issues, assessment, and recommendations

BACKGROUND

While the primary goal of trauma care continues to be the preservation of life, interest has begun to focus on disability and quality of life of those who survive. Numerous instruments have been developed to measure personal well-being, impairment, or subjective life-satisfaction. But there is no consensus regarding which instruments are most appropriate to use in multiply injured patients, and comparison of results are difficult.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this multinational conference was to arrive at a consensus regarding the measurement of quality of life in survivors of multiple trauma. Specifically we sought to identify the best time intervals for measurement and a minimum set of instruments.

METHOD

The group reviewed instruments currently in use for quality of life measurement in multiply injured patients. A structured discussion covered the following topics: definition of the population, the concept of quality of life, the importance of different domains of quality of life at different time points, the type of measures and their validity, consistency, and practicability, the mode of administration, subject burden, and availability of population norms.

RESULTS

The group suggested three time points, after 3, 12 and 24 months, for the assessment of quality of life after multiple injury. The Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) was suggested as an overall global outcome measure including death and vegetative state. The EuroQol was proposed to permit economic analysis, and the SF-36 as a validated global quality of life measure.

CONCLUSION

While most selected measures are psychometrically sound, many have had limited use in the setting of multiple injuries. Researchers and clinicians may use these suggestions as a source of information when developing a measurement strategy.

Quality of life after multiple trauma--summary and recommendations of the consensus conference

In October 1999, an international and interdisciplinary consensus conference was held about the assessment and application of quality of life (QoL) measures after multiple trauma. Four working groups represented the following patients: children with traumatic brain injury (TBI); adults with TBI, adults with multiple injuries (but without TBI), and adults with spinal cord injury. According to predefined questions, the groups tried to identify the relevant problems of the patients, at different time points after the traumatic event. A review of the existing instruments for quality of life assessment and the evidence of their application in trauma patients in the scientific literature was performed by each group. Based on the results of these literature reviews it was concluded that there are not enough data to establish "evidence-based" guidelines for QoL assessments in these patients. Nevertheless, the groups comprised of experts clinicians and methodologists, agreed on the Glasgow Outcome Scale and the SF-36 as generic tools for QoL assessment across all trauma patients. It was further recommended to use these generic tools in combination with condition-specific instruments to better reflect the specific problems of the patients. Finally, the whole group suggested that it was not appropriate to view this conference as a "final report" about QoL assessment in trauma patients, but rather it should be seen as a starting point for increased efforts to initiate clinical research projects using QoL as an outcome, to develop better instruments, and to include QoL assessments into daily routines.

[Validation of the Hannover Score for Polytrauma Outcome (HASPOC) in a sample of 170 polytrauma patients and a comparison with the 12-Item Short-Form Health Survey]

Improved survival rates of patients with multiple injuries have increased general interest in the quality of rehabilitation status after polytrauma. Due to the complex nature of multiple injuries, a special score is needed to evaluate the outcome after polytrauma. The aim of this study was to validate the Hannover Score for Polytrauma Outcome (HASPOC). One hundred seventy patients who had sustained multiple injuries were re-examined using the HASPOC 2 years after trauma. Results were correlated with the 12-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-12), a validated and established scoring system. The HASPOC was also correlated with clinical parameters predictive of poor outcome. Two control groups consisting of either patients after single injuries or healthy controls were also evaluated using the HASPOC. In the group of patients after multiple injuries, the HASPOC correlated with the SF-12 in injury severity and polytrauma scores, intubation period, hospital stay, and occurrence of injuries below the knee. Differences between healthy controls,patients after single injuries, and patients after multiple injuries were statistically significant when evaluated with the HASPOC. This statistical significance was not achieved using the SF-12. The HASPOC is a valid scoring system and useful for evaluating the rehabilitation status after polytrauma.

[Injury to the spinal cord without any radiographic abnormality in a child]

Spinal cord injury without radiographic abnormalities (SCIWORA) is a diagnostic challenge most commonly encountered in pediatric patients. The unique hypermobility and ligamentous laxity of the pediatric bony cervical and thoracic spine may predispose to SCIWORA. A four-year-old girl was admitted for polytrauma. During monitorization deterioration in her neurological status was observed. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed an abnormal intensity in the spinal cord at the level of T11-L3, suggesting SCIWORA. We did not consider surgery and treated the patient with a conservative approach and rehabilitation program. The patient achieved a functional capacity sufficient to perform essential activities. A detailed neurologic examination should be undertaken particularly in polytrauma pediatric patients and MRI should be employed in suspected cases.

Intermediate and long-term outcome in traumatic brain injury is not influenced by additional multiple organ injury

BACKGROUND

This investigation aims at evaluating the influence of additional multiple organ injury in traumatic brain injury on the outcome in terms of the ability to perform the activities of daily life, of the need of care, and of job ability.

METHODS

62 victims (male to female ratio 4 : 1; age range 15-68 years) of traumatic brain injury were studied. Group 1 (n = 24) consisted of patients who suffered from traumatic brain injury with additional multiple organ injury, group 2 (n = 38) comprised patients with isolated brain injury. Outcome was assessed at 6 and 12 months after trauma by means of different rehabilitation scores.

RESULTS

After 6 as well as after 12 months, the majority of both groups were independent in the activities of daily living. Furthermore, no differences were observed concerning the need of care. Job ability was almost equal for both groups.

CONCLUSION

Additional multiple organ injury does not pertain to prognosis of traumatic brain injury.

Functional outcome in trauma patients with spinal injury

STUDY DESIGN

A retrospective data analysis of all trauma patients admitted the Helicopter Emergency Medical Service was performed.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the long-term outcome of trauma patients with spinal injuries using Functional Independence Measure scores.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

Mortality after severe multiple trauma is well documented. However, evaluating morbidity in survivors of multiple trauma is complex, and less information is available regarding functional outcome. There are very few systems that can effectively predict the outcome for patients sustaining multiple trauma with spinal injuries. The Functional Independence Measure scoring system, which is easy to use, can be used to assess disability after hospital discharge, and may also be used to predict the long-term outcome for patients after spinal injuries.

METHODS

The records of 1500 trauma patients admitted over a 6-year period by the Helicopter Emergency Medical Service were examined. All patients with documented injuries to the spinal column were selected for study. The distribution and pattern of spinal injury, the injury severity score, and the radiologic findings were determined for each patient, along with clinical outcome measures at 1 year using Functional Independence Measure scores.

RESULTS

Among the 1500 trauma patients, 263 patients (17.5%) (195 men and 68 women; mean age, 37 years; range, 3-92 years) had sustained an injury to the spinal column. Mortality (70/263; 27%) was significantly higher (P < 0.02) in these patients than in those without spinal injury (247/1237; 20%). Injury severity scores higher than 16 were found in 96 patients (55%). The median Functional Independence Measure score was 40 on admission, 86 at discharge from the hospital, 113 at 3 months, 119 at 6 months, and 124 at 12 months. There was significant correlation between discharge Functional Independence Measure (FIM) scores (FIM = 86) and 12-month FIM scores (FIM = 124) (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Most of the patients had poor initial Functional Independence Measure scores, but there was significant improvement by 12 months. Discharge FIM scores were a good indicator for functional outcome at one year.

[General issues of medical care in multiple trauma]

Experience in diagnosis and treatment of patients with combined trauma is presented. The clinicoanatomic classification of combined traumas with their division into 7 groups is proposed. The process of medical care is subdivided in 4 stages - prehospital, critical care, specialized clinical and rehabilitation. The number of patients and their qualitative characteristics at each stage are different. The majority of the lethal outcomes occur at prehospital and critical care stages. Improvement of medical care at the prehospital stage may be realized trough creation of diagnostic and treatment algorithms, at critical care stage - by adequate infusion-transfusion therapy and determination of surgical care priority. Prophylaxis and treatment of complications are very important at the second and third stages. At the rehabilitation stage 84,6% patients need treatment of locomotor lesions, 14.5% - damages of the brain, 0.5% - damages of the spinal cord. Traumas of the thorax and the abdomen don't require long rehabilitation.

Hip and pelvic fractures and sciatic nerve injury

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the influence of hip and pelvic fracture, especially acetabular fracture complicated by sciatic nerve injury on clinical features and prognosis of sciatic nerve injury.

METHODS

From January 1987 to January 2000, 17 patients (14 male and 3 female) who had hip and pelvic fractures complicated by sciatic nerve injury were treated with operative reduction and internal fixation and followed up from 10 months to 5 years. The average age was 38 years (ranging 23-56 years). The left extremities were involved in 11 patients and the right in 6. Twelve patients underwent primary exploration and neurolysis and 5 patients underwent secondary operation.

RESULTS

Preoperatively, 8 patients were treated with large doses of oral narcotics to control their severe sciatic pain. Three of the 8 patients underwent patient-controlled analgesia and epidural analgesia. After operation, excellent and good rates of reduction and functional recovery of sciatic nerve were 94.1% and 88% respectively. Four patients still had sciatic pain and 2 patients failed to recover. Sciatic nerve function improved within 3-6 months after surgery in 11 patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Hip and pelvic fractures can result in sciatic nerve injury, especially common peroneal nerve injury and prognosis is poor. Open reduction and internal fixation combined with nerve exploration and neurolysis should be used as early as possible for severe sciatic pain.

Management of the multiple limb amputee

ISSUE

Multiple limb amputations involving at least one upper extremity are very uncommon. The amputation of both an upper and lower limb is even more uncommon. Due to the rarity of these amputations therapists are uncertain regarding the most appropriate treatment methods. While the majority of the protocols used for single limb amputations are appropriate for these multiple limb amputees, there are differences. Loss of multiple limbs creates a problem of overheating for the individual. Loss of an arm and leg results in difficulty donning the prostheses and difficulty using crutches and parallel bars during mobilization.

METHOD

A review is given of 16 multiple limb amputees seen in our rehabilitation centre in the last 15 years. Return to work was seen in one third and was not related to the number of the amputations. A higher proportion of these multiple limb amputations occur through alcoholism or attempted suicide behaviour than occurs with either single upper limb amputations or lower limb amputations. This existing behaviour can create a management problem for the rehabilitation team during rehabilitation.

CONCLUSION

Guidelines as to appropriate prosthetic and preprosthetic care are provided to assist the practitioner who has the acute and long term care of these patients. All multiple limb amputees should be referred to a specialized rehabilitation centre to discuss prosthetic options and long term rehabilitation requirements. This paper does not discuss bilateral lower limb amputations when not combined with an upper limb amputation.

[Importance of early rehabilitation of a child with severe multiple injuries: case report]

CASE PRESENTATION

This is a case presentation of an eight-year-old boy, a traffic accident victim with severe polytrauma. The boy was admitted to hospital with lacerations and contusion injuries of the left basal frontal and left temporal brain region, moderate brain tissue edema and fracture of the left clavicle which were diagnosed by CT (computer tomography). The boy was in coma (Glasgow Coma Scale--5). Oral feeding and catheter removal were established after one month. Three months later his state of consciousness improved, he could carry out simple orders, started vocalization and visited ambulance by wheel chair. Speech and independent walking were achieved 4 months after the accident.

PHYSICAL THERAPY

Physical therapy included: neural-stimulation by Vojta and sclerodermal message from seventh day. Later on, speech and work therapy were applied.

DRUG THERAPY

Drug therapy included: muscle relaxants and tranquilizers while orthopedic treatment meant plastic immobilization. Control CT revealed chronic subdural hemathoma in the right frontal-parietal region. The boy could walk, talk, have normal diet, and controlled sphincters four months after severe trauma. Now, he is functional and on the level of moderate mental retardation. Early rehabilitation was extremely important in his recovery.

Standardized outcome evaluation after blunt multiple injuries by scoring systems: a clinical follow-up investigation 2 years after injury

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to evaluate the state of rehabilitation in patients with blunt multiple injuries 2 years after their initial injuries, using several standardized scales and a recently described comprehensive scoring system, by means of a prospective clinical multicenter study.

METHODS

Two years after the initial injury, patients with blunt multiple injuries (Injury Severity Score > or = 16) underwent a clinical follow-up in 5 German Level I trauma centers. The reassessment included a complete head-to-toe examination of the musculoskeletal system and a neurologic examination. The following patient-assessed health status scores were used to determine the quality of life: Short-Form 12, Functional Independence Measurement, and Musculoskeletal Function Assessment. Moreover, a comprehensive scoring system developed in our department (Hannover Score for Polytrauma Outcome [HASPOC]) was used that includes provider-report (physician's examination) and self-report (score systems) criteria.

RESULTS

Two hundred fifty-four of 312 patients who had been injured between January 1995 and July 1996 were reexamined between January 1, 1997, and July 1, 1998. Among the remaining 58 patients, 9 had died by the time of follow-up, and 49 patients had not accepted the invitation. The mean age of those patients who underwent reexamination was 36 +/- 13 years, the mean Injury Severity Score was 24 +/- 6, and the mean initial Glasgow Coma Scale score was 11 +/- 4 (Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS) head score of 3.3 +/- 1.1; AIS face, 1.4 +/- 0.1; AIS chest, 3.0 +/- 0.8; AIS abdomen, 1.7 +/- 0.6; and AIS extremities, 3.4 +/- 0.8). The general outcome (Short-Form 12) was as follows: grade I, 9%; grade II, 25%; grade III, 29%; grade IV, 25%; grade V, 6%; and grade VI, 6%. The outcome of the injured extremity demonstrated moderate or severe restrictions according to the Musculoskeletal Function Assessment in 41% of injuries of the lower extremity and in 16% of injuries of the upper extremity. Among patients with injuries to the lower extremity, 52% experienced pain or impaired ability to walk related to an injury of the foot or ankle, 31% indicated pain after a knee or thigh injury, and 27% indicated pain after a femoral or hip injury. The most severe deficits in the range of motion occurred in the foot and the ankle region (13.4% deficit of range of motion < 20% of normal range, p < 0.05 to other injuries). The results of the outcome obtained by self-report correlated with the clinical examination when a scoring system was used that was described recently, the HASPOC.

CONCLUSION

In a standardized multicenter reexamination of patients with blunt multiple injuries, the general outcome was usually fair or good. Both the complaints and the objective results of specific extremity areas demonstrated that most limitations were because of injuries below the knee. These results were adequately reflected by a comprehensive scoring system, combining self-report and provider report (HASPOC).

Musculoskeletal recovery 5 years after severe injury: long term problems are common

Five years after severe injury (ISS>15), usually involving several body regions, 158 patients were assessed regarding their musculo-skeletal recovery. An earlier paper in this journal about this study 'Injury 29 (1998) 55' showed that when considering the main body regions causing long term disability, 45% were due to bony injuries to the extremities, pelvis and shoulder girdle. We analysed these body areas regarding the degrees of disability and pain and also for problems with activities of daily living, work, sport and mobility. All patients with unstable pelvic fractures had moderate or severe persisting disability and chronic pain. Functional problems with activities of daily living, work, sport and mobility were reported in 28, 86, 100 and 100% of patients, respectively. Patients with stable pelvic fractures had persisting disability in 54% of cases, which was mild in 42% and moderate or severe in 12% of patients. In patients with stable pelvic fractures 54% had chronic pain, which was mild in 24% of patients and moderate or severe in 30% of patients. Functional problems with mobility, work and sport were reported in 38, 19 and 19% of patients, respectively. Patients with shoulder girdle injuries had persisting disability in 48% of cases which was mild in 24% and moderate or severe in 24% of patients. In patients with shoulder girdle injuries 45% had chronic pain, which was mild in 14% and moderate or severe in 31% of patients. Functional problems with activities of daily living, work, sport and mobility were reported in 38, 28, 38 and 38% of patients respectively. Patients with upper limb fractures had persisting disability in 66% of cases which was mild in 34% of patients and moderate or severe in 32% of patients. Chronic pain was present in 62% of these cases, which was mild in 32% and moderate or severe in 34% of patients. Functional problems with activities of daily living, work, sport and mobility were reported in 31, 45, 48 and 66% of patients, respectively. Patients with lower limb fractures had persisting disability in 84% of cases, which was mild in 16% and moderate or severe in 68% of patients. Chronic pain was present in 80% of these cases, which was mild in 24% and moderate or severe in 56% of patients. Functional problems with activities of daily living, work, sport and mobility were reported in 40, 56, 64 and 76% of patients, respectively. Patients with multiple extremity injuries or combinations of pelvic and lower extremity or shoulder girdle and upper extremity injuries were much more likely to have continuing disability compared with those sustaining single bone injuries of that limb. This high disability rate reflecting treatment in 1989-1990, raises the question of whether our present policy of earlier and better fixation and rehabilitation of fractures in severely injured patients (ISS>15) can improve these results.

Inpatient multitrauma rehabilitation in a U.S. military hospital

Rehabilitation serves a vital role in the care of multiply injured patients in the military, from diagnosis of occult injuries to gaining functional independence. Optimal rehabilitative care of the war casualties is predicated on diligent and rigorous training and evaluation of similar care during peacetime.

The use of manual edema mobilization for the reduction of persistent edema in the upper limb

Management of persistent edema with the common treatment methods reported in the literature is not always successful. Manual edema mobilization (MEM) is a relatively new treatment regimen derived from established European and Australian lymphedema reduction regimens. It includes the use of exercises, light skin-tractioning massage techniques following the lymphatic pathways, and the use of low-compression garments. The typical patient who may benefit from the use of MEM has a presumed healthy lymphatic system, is an active participant, and performs some of the techniques independently between therapy sessions. This case report describes the use of MEM on a patient with multiple trauma, which resulted in a significant reduction--78%--of the persistent edema in the affected upper limb. A theoretic rationale is offered for each MEM technique.

Orthopedic trauma. Managing secondary medical problems

Caring for the multiply injured orthopedic trauma patient is a challenge. Managing secondary medical problems associated with injury is enhanced when rehabilitation clinical nurse specialists, orthopedic advanced practice nurses, and the interdisciplinary team are consulted immediately following trauma. Educating the public on actions and behaviors that reduce the likelihood of accidents is an important role of the RN. Nurses play a key role in restoring the patient to the preinjury level of functioning or assisting the patient in adapting to temporary/permanent disability. Early intervention may result in shortened length of hospital stay, earlier return to work, restoration of family role function, and healthier psychologic and physical recovery. All RNs must be actively involved in educating the public on injury prevention, which includes teaching responsible behavior and the adverse effects of alcohol use.

Variation by diagnostic and practice pattern groups in the mobility outcomes of inpatient rehabilitation programs for children and youth

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to describe variation in functional mobility outcomes among children and youth with different diagnoses and belonging to groups with different practice patterns from an inpatient pediatric rehabilitation hospital setting.

SUBJECTS

A sample of 138 individuals between the ages of 1 and 22 years (mean=9.4, SD=5.3) was enrolled.

METHODS

Physical therapists administered the "Mobility" domain of the Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory at the time of admission and at the time of discharge. Mobility level (combined admission and discharge scores) and amount of change between and within 4 diagnostic groups (traumatic brain injury, non-traumatic brain injury, orthopedic, and neurological) and 5 neuromuscular and musculoskeletal practice pattern groups were calculated, and post hoc analyses were done for specific contrast comparisons.

RESULTS

Mobility scores between admission and discharge for all subgroups were different. Practice pattern groups were useful for identifying variations in level of motor performance. Diagnostic groups best described differences in mobility change during inpatient rehabilitation.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

The use of practice patterns as grouping categories may enhance our understanding of variation in clinical outcomes of children during inpatient rehabilitation.