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Thornton WA, Smulligan K, Weber KA, Tefertiller C, Mañago M, Sevigny M, Wiley L, Stevens-Lapsley J, Smith AC. Lesion characteristics are associated with bowel, bladder, and overall independence following cervical spinal cord injury. J Spinal Cord Med 2024:1-9. [PMID: 38958637 DOI: 10.1080/10790268.2024.2363005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/04/2024] Open
Abstract
CONTEXT/OBJECTIVE There is a growing global interest in quantifying spinal cord lesions and spared neural tissue using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI). The primary objective of this study was to assess the relationships between spinal cord lesion characteristics assessed on MRI and bowel, bladder, and overall independence following SCI. DESIGN Retrospective, exploratory study. PARTICIPANTS 93 individuals with cervical SCI who were enrolled in a local United States Model Systems SCI database from 2010 to 2017. METHODS Clinical and MRI data were obtained for potential participants, and MRIs of eligible participants were analyzed. Explanatory variables, captured on MRIs, included intramedullary lesion length (IMLL), midsagittal ventral tissue bridge width (VTBW), midsagittal dorsal tissue bridge width (DTBW), and axial damage ratio (ADR). OUTCOME MEASURES Bowel and bladder management scale of the Functional Independence Measure (FIM) and FIM total motor score. RESULTS When accounting for all four variables, only ADR was significantly associated with bowel independence (OR = 0.970, 95% CI: 0.942-0.997, P = 0.030), and both ADR and IMLL were strongly associated with bladder independence (OR = 0.967, 95% CI: 0.936-0.999, P = 0.046 and OR = 0.948, 95% CI: 0.919-0.978, P = 0.0007, respectively). 32% of the variation in overall independence scores were explained by all four predictive variables, but only ADR was significantly associated with overall independence after accounting for all other predictive variables (β = -0.469, 95% CI: -0.719, -0.218, P = 0.0004). CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that the MRI-measured extent of spinal cord lesion may be predictive of bowel, bladder, and overall independence following cervical SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wesley A Thornton
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
- Craig Hospital, Englewood, Colorado, USA
| | - Katherine Smulligan
- Department of Orthopedics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Kenneth A Weber
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California, USA
| | | | - Mark Mañago
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | | | - Laura Wiley
- Department of Biostatistics & Informatics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Jennifer Stevens-Lapsley
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Andrew C Smith
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
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Draganich C, Anderson D, Dornan GJ, Sevigny M, Berliner J, Charlifue S, Welch A, Smith A. Predictive modeling of ambulatory outcomes after spinal cord injury using machine learning. Spinal Cord 2024:10.1038/s41393-024-01008-2. [PMID: 38890506 DOI: 10.1038/s41393-024-01008-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Revised: 05/12/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
STUDY DESIGN Retrospective multi-site cohort study. OBJECTIVES To develop an accurate machine learning predictive model using predictor variables from the acute rehabilitation period to determine ambulatory status in spinal cord injury (SCI) one year post injury. SETTING Model SCI System (SCIMS) database between January 2000 and May 2019. METHODS Retrospective cohort study using data that were previously collected as part of the SCI Model System (SCIMS) database. A total of 4523 patients were analyzed comparing traditional models (van Middendorp and Hicks) compared to machine learning algorithms including Elastic Net Penalized Logistic Regression (ENPLR), Gradient Boosted Machine (GBM), and Artificial Neural Networks (ANN). RESULTS Compared with GBM and ANN, ENPLR was determined to be the preferred model based on predictive accuracy metrics, calibration, and variable selection. The primary metric to judge discrimination was the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). When compared to the van Middendorp all patients (0.916), ASIA A and D (0.951) and ASIA B and C (0.775) and Hicks all patients (0.89), ASIA A and D (0.934) and ASIA B and C (0.775), ENPLR demonstrated improved AUC for all patients (0.931), ASIA A and D (0.965) ASIA B and C (0.803). CONCLUSIONS Utilizing artificial intelligence and machine learning methods are feasible for accurately classifying outcomes in SCI and may provide improved sensitivity in identifying which individuals are less likely to ambulate and may benefit from augmentative strategies, such as neuromodulation. Future directions should include the use of additional variables to further refine these models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Draganich
- University of Colorado Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Aurora, CO, USA.
| | | | | | | | - Jeffrey Berliner
- University of Colorado Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Aurora, CO, USA
- Craig Hospital, Englewood, CO, USA
| | | | | | - Andrew Smith
- University of Colorado Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Aurora, CO, USA
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3
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Karthik EN, Valosek J, Smith AC, Pfyffer D, Schading-Sassenhausen S, Farner L, Weber KA, Freund P, Cohen-Adad J. SCIseg: Automatic Segmentation of T2-weighted Intramedullary Lesions in Spinal Cord Injury. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2024:2024.01.03.24300794. [PMID: 38699309 PMCID: PMC11065035 DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.03.24300794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2024]
Abstract
Purpose To develop a deep learning tool for the automatic segmentation of T2-weighted intramedullary lesions in spinal cord injury (SCI). Material and Methods This retrospective study included a cohort of SCI patients from three sites enrolled between July 2002 and February 2023. A deep learning model, SCIseg, was trained in a three-phase process involving active learning for the automatic segmentation of intramedullary SCI lesions and the spinal cord. The data consisted of T2-weighted MRI acquired using different scanner manufacturers with heterogeneous image resolutions (isotropic/anisotropic), orientations (axial/sagittal), lesion etiologies (traumatic/ischemic/hemorrhagic) and lesions spread across the cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine. The segmentations from the proposed model were visually and quantitatively compared with other open-source baselines. Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to compare quantitative MRI biomarkers (lesion volume, lesion length, and maximal axial damage ratio) computed from manual lesion masks and those obtained automatically with SCIseg predictions. Results MRI data from 191 SCI patients (mean age, 48.1 years ± 17.9 [SD]; 142 males) were used for model training and evaluation. SCIseg achieved the best segmentation performance for both the cord and lesions. There was no statistically significant difference between lesion length and maximal axial damage ratio computed from manually annotated lesions and those obtained using SCIseg. Conclusion Automatic segmentation of intramedullary lesions commonly seen in SCI replaces the tedious manual annotation process and enables the extraction of relevant lesion morphometrics in large cohorts. The proposed model segments lesions across different etiologies, scanner manufacturers, and heterogeneous image resolutions. SCIseg is open-source and accessible through the Spinal Cord Toolbox.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enamundram Naga Karthik
- NeuroPoly Lab, Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Polytechnique Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Mila - Quebec AI Institute, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Jan Valosek
- NeuroPoly Lab, Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Polytechnique Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Mila - Quebec AI Institute, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Neurosurgery, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacký University Olomouc, Olomouc, Czechia
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacký University Olomouc, Olomouc, Czechia
| | - Andrew C Smith
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Physical Therapy Program, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Dario Pfyffer
- Spinal Cord Injury Center, Balgrist University Hospital, University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
| | | | - Lynn Farner
- Spinal Cord Injury Center, Balgrist University Hospital, University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Kenneth A Weber
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Patrick Freund
- Spinal Cord Injury Center, Balgrist University Hospital, University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
- Department of Neurophysics, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Julien Cohen-Adad
- NeuroPoly Lab, Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Polytechnique Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Mila - Quebec AI Institute, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Functional Neuroimaging Unit, CRIUGM, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Centre de Recherche du CHU Sainte-Justine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
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Alazzam AM, Ballance WB, Smith AC, Rejc E, Weber KA, Trainer R, Gorgey AS. Peak Slope Ratio of the Recruitment Curves Compared to Muscle Evoked Potentials to Optimize Standing Configurations with Percutaneous Epidural Stimulation after Spinal Cord Injury. J Clin Med 2024; 13:1344. [PMID: 38592158 PMCID: PMC10932170 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13051344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2024] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: Percutaneous spinal cord epidural stimulation (pSCES) has effectively restored varying levels of motor control in persons with motor complete spinal cord injury (SCI). Studying and standardizing the pSCES configurations may yield specific motor improvements. Previously, reliance on the amplitude of the SCES-evoked potentials (EPs) was used to determine the correct stimulation configurations. Methods: We, hereby, retrospectively examined the effects of wide and narrow-field configurations on establishing the motor recruitment curves of motor units of three different agonist-antagonist muscle groups. Magnetic resonance imaging was also used to individualize SCI participants (n = 4) according to their lesion characteristics. The slope of the recruitment curves using a six-degree polynomial function was calculated to derive the slope ratio for the agonist-antagonist muscle groups responsible for standing. Results: Axial damage ratios of the spinal cord ranged from 0.80 to 0.92, indicating at least some level of supraspinal connectivity for all participants. Despite the close range of these ratios, standing motor performance was enhanced using different stimulation configurations in the four persons with SCI. A slope ratio of ≥1 was considered for the recommended configurations necessary to achieve standing. The retrospectively identified configurations using the supine slope ratio of the recruitment curves of the motor units agreed with that visually inspected muscle EPs amplitude of the extensor relative to the flexor muscles in two of the four participants. Two participants managed to advance the selected configurations into independent standing performance after using tonic stimulation. The other two participants required different levels of assistance to attain standing performance. Conclusions: The findings suggest that the peak slope ratio of the muscle agonists-antagonists recruitment curves may potentially identify the pSCES configurations necessary to achieve standing in persons with SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmad M. Alazzam
- Spinal Cord Injury and Disorders Center, Richmond VA Medical Center, Richmond, VA 23249, USA; (A.M.A.); (W.B.B.)
| | - William B. Ballance
- Spinal Cord Injury and Disorders Center, Richmond VA Medical Center, Richmond, VA 23249, USA; (A.M.A.); (W.B.B.)
| | - Andrew C. Smith
- Physical Therapy Program, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045, USA;
| | - Enrico Rejc
- Department of Medicine, University of Udine, 33100 Udine, Italy;
| | - Kenneth A. Weber
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA;
| | - Robert Trainer
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23284, USA;
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Richmond VA Medical Center, Richmond, VA 23249, USA
| | - Ashraf S. Gorgey
- Spinal Cord Injury and Disorders Center, Richmond VA Medical Center, Richmond, VA 23249, USA; (A.M.A.); (W.B.B.)
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23284, USA;
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Elliott JM, Walton DM, Albin SR, Courtney DM, Siegmund GP, Carroll LJ, Weber KA, Smith AC. Biopsychosocial sequelae and recovery trajectories from whiplash injury following a motor vehicle collision. Spine J 2023; 23:1028-1036. [PMID: 36958668 PMCID: PMC10330498 DOI: 10.1016/j.spinee.2023.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Revised: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND CONTEXT Five out of 10 injured in a motor vehicle collision (MVC) will develop persistent pain and disability. It is unclear if prolonged symptoms are related to peritraumatic pain/disability, psychological distress, muscle fat, lower extremity weakness. PURPOSE To test if widespread muscle fat infiltration (MFI) was (1) unique to those with poor recovery, (2) present in the peritraumatic stage, (3) related to known risk factors. STUDY DESIGN/SETTING A cohort study, single-center academic hospital. PATIENT SAMPLES A total of 97 men and women (age 18-65) presenting to an urban academic emergency medicine department following MVC, but not requiring inpatient hospitalization. PRIMARY OUTCOME MEASURE Neck disability at 12-months. METHODS Participants underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to quantify neck and lower extremity MFI, completed questionnaires on pain/disability and psychological distress (< 1-week, 2-weeks, 3-, and 12-months) and underwent maximum volitional torque testing of their lower extremities (2-weeks, 3-, and 12-months). Percentage score on the Neck Disability Index at 12-months was used for a model of (1) Recovered (0%-8%), (2) Mild (10%-28%), and (3) Moderate/Severe (≥ 30%). This model was adjusted for BMI and age. RESULTS Significant differences for neck MFI were revealed, with the Recovered group having significantly lower neck MFI than the Mild and Moderate/Severe groups at all time points. The Mild group had significantly more leg MFI at 12-months (p=.02) than the Recovered group. There were no other significant differences at any other time point. Lower extremity torques revealed no group differences. The Traumatic Injury Distress Scale (TIDS) and MFI of the neck at 1-week postinjury significantly predicted NDI score at 12-months. CONCLUSIONS Higher neck MFI and distress may represent a risk factor though it is unclear whether this is a pre-existing phenotype or result of the trauma. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02157038.
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Affiliation(s)
- J M Elliott
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Northern Sydney Local Health District, The Kolling Institute, 10 Westbourne St, St Leonards, New South Wales, 2065, Australia; Physical Therapy & Human Movement Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, 645 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.
| | - D M Walton
- Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Physical Therapy, Western University Canada Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, 1151 Richmond St, London, Ontario N6A 5C1, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, Western University Canada, 151 Richmond St, London, Ontario N6A 5C1, Canada
| | - S R Albin
- School of Physical Therapy, Regis University, 3333 Regis Boulevard Denver, CO 80221-1099, USA
| | - D M Courtney
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - G P Siegmund
- MEA Forensics, 11151 Horseshoe Way, Richmond, British Columbia V7A 4S5, Canada
| | - L J Carroll
- School of Public Health, University of Alberta, 11405 87 Ave NW, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 1C9, Canada
| | - K A Weber
- Division of Pain Medicine, Stanford School of Medicine, 900 Blake Wilbur Dr, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA
| | - A C Smith
- Physical Therapy Program, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, School of Medicine, University of Colorado, 12631 E 17th Ave, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
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Sharma P, Panta T, Ugiliweneza B, Bert RJ, Gerasimenko Y, Forrest G, Harkema S. Multi-Site Spinal Cord Transcutaneous Stimulation Facilitates Upper Limb Sensory and Motor Recovery in Severe Cervical Spinal Cord Injury: A Case Study. J Clin Med 2023; 12:4416. [PMID: 37445450 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12134416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/24/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Individuals with cervical spinal cord injury (SCI) rank regaining arm and hand function as their top rehabilitation priority post-injury. Cervical spinal cord transcutaneous stimulation (scTS) combined with activity-based recovery training (ABRT) is known to effectively facilitate upper extremity sensorimotor recovery in individuals with residual arm and hand function post SCI. However, scTS effectiveness in facilitating upper extremity recovery in individuals with severe SCI with minimal to no sensory and motor preservation below injury level remains largely unknown. We herein introduced a multimodal neuro-rehabilitative approach involving scTS targeting systematically identified various spinal segments combined with ABRT. We hypothesized that multi-site scTS combined with ABRT will effectively neuromodulate the spinal networks, resulting in improved integration of ascending and descending neural information required for sensory and motor recovery in individuals with severe cervical SCI. To test the hypothesis, a 53-year-old male (C2, AIS A, 8 years post-injury) received 60 ABRT sessions combined with continuous multi-site scTS. Post-training assessments revealed improved activation of previously paralyzed upper extremity muscles and sensory improvements over the dorsal and volar aspects of the hand. Most likely, altered spinal cord excitability and improved muscle activation and sensations resulted in observed sensorimotor recovery. However, despite promising neurophysiological evidence pertaining to motor re-activation, we did not observe visually appreciable functional recovery on obtained upper extremity motor assessments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pawan Sharma
- Kentucky Spinal Cord Injury Research Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
| | - Tudor Panta
- Kentucky Spinal Cord Injury Research Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
- Frazier Rehabilitation Institute, University of Louisville Health, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
| | - Beatrice Ugiliweneza
- Kentucky Spinal Cord Injury Research Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
- Department of Health Management and Systems Science, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
| | - Robert J Bert
- Department of Radiology, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
| | - Yury Gerasimenko
- Kentucky Spinal Cord Injury Research Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
- Department of Physiology, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40292, USA
- Pavlov Institute of Physiology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 199034 Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Gail Forrest
- Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ 07052, USA
- Kessler Foundation, Newark, NJ 07052, USA
| | - Susan Harkema
- Kentucky Spinal Cord Injury Research Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
- Frazier Rehabilitation Institute, University of Louisville Health, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
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Hohl K, Smith AC, Macaluso R, Giffhorn M, Prokup S, O’Dell DR, Kleinschmidt L, Elliott JM, Jayaraman A. Muscle adaptations in acute SCI following overground exoskeleton + FES training: A pilot study. FRONTIERS IN REHABILITATION SCIENCES 2022; 3:963771. [PMID: 36311207 PMCID: PMC9608781 DOI: 10.3389/fresc.2022.963771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Objective To evaluate the combined effects of robotic exoskeleton and functional electrical stimulation (FES) training on muscle composition during over-ground gait training in persons with acute spinal cord injury (SCI). Design Randomized crossover pilot study. Setting Inpatient-rehabilitation Hospital. Participants Six individuals with acute SCI. Intervention Participants were randomized to either receive training with the Ekso® Bionics exoskeleton combined with FES in addition to standard-of-care or standard-of-care alone. Outcome measures The main outcome measures for the study were quantified using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), specifically, lower extremity muscle volume and intramuscular adipose tissue (IMAT). Static balance and fall risk were assessed using the Berg Balance Scale. Results Significant improvements were observed in muscle volume in the exoskeleton intervention group when compared to only standard-of-care (p < 0.001). There was no significant difference between the groups in IMAT even though the intervention group saw a reduction in IMAT that trended towards statistical significance (p = 0.07). Static balance improved in both groups, with greater improvements seen in the intervention group. Conclusions Early intervention with robotic exoskeleton may contribute to improved muscle function measured using MRI in individuals with acute SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristen Hohl
- Max Näder Lab for Rehabilitation Technologies / Outcomes Lab, Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Andrew C. Smith
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Physical Therapy Program, School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Rebecca Macaluso
- Max Näder Lab for Rehabilitation Technologies / Outcomes Lab, Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Matthew Giffhorn
- Max Näder Lab for Rehabilitation Technologies / Outcomes Lab, Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Sara Prokup
- Max Näder Lab for Rehabilitation Technologies / Outcomes Lab, Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Denise R. O’Dell
- Department of Physical Therapy, University of Kentucky College of Health Sciences, Lexington, KY, United States
| | - Lina Kleinschmidt
- Department of Physical Therapy / Human Movement Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Jim M. Elliott
- Department of Physical Therapy / Human Movement Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States,Northern Sydney Local Health District, The Kolling Institute and Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, St. Leonards, NSW, Australia
| | - Arun Jayaraman
- Max Näder Lab for Rehabilitation Technologies / Outcomes Lab, Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, Chicago, IL, United States,Department of Physical Therapy / Human Movement Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States,Department of Physical Medicine / Rehabilitation, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States,Correspondence: Arun Jayaraman
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8
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Smith AC, O’Dell DR, Albin SR, Berliner JC, Dungan D, Robinson E, Elliott JM, Carballido-Gamio J, Stevens-Lapsley J, Weber KA. Lateral Corticospinal Tract and Dorsal Column Damage: Predictive Relationships With Motor and Sensory Scores at Discharge From Acute Rehabilitation After Spinal Cord Injury. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2022; 103:62-68. [PMID: 34371017 PMCID: PMC8712383 DOI: 10.1016/j.apmr.2021.07.792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2021] [Revised: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine if lateral corticospinal tract (LCST) integrity demonstrates a significant predictive relationship with future ipsilateral lower extremity motor function (LEMS) and if dorsal column (DC) integrity demonstrates a significant predictive relationship with future light touch (LT) sensory function post spinal cord injury (SCI) at time of discharge from inpatient rehabilitation. DESIGN Retrospective analyses of imaging and clinical outcomes. SETTING University and academic hospital. PARTICIPANTS A total of 151 participants (N=151) with SCI. INTERVENTIONS Inpatient rehabilitation. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES LEMS and LT scores at discharge from inpatient rehabilitation. RESULTS In 151 participants, right LCST spared tissue demonstrated a significant predictive relationship with right LEMS percentage recovered (β=0.56; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.37-0.73; R=0.43; P<.001). Left LCST spared tissue demonstrated a significant predictive relationship with left LEMS percentage recovered (β=0.66; 95% CI, 0.50-0.82; R=0.51; P<.001). DC spared tissue demonstrated a significant predictive relationship with LT percentage recovered (β=0.69; 95% CI, 0.52-0.87; R=0.55; P<.001). When subgrouping the participants into motor complete vs incomplete SCI, motor relationships were no longer significant, but the sensory relationship remained significant. Those who had no voluntary motor function but recovered some also had significantly greater LCST spared tissue than those who did not recover motor function. CONCLUSIONS LCST demonstrated significant moderate predictive relationships with lower extremity motor function at the time of discharge from inpatient rehabilitation, in an ipsilesional manner. DC integrity demonstrated a significant moderate predictive relationship with recovered function of LT. With further development, these neuroimaging methods might be used to predict potential deficits after SCI and to provide corresponding targeted interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew C. Smith
- University of Colorado School of Medicine, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Physical Therapy Program, Aurora, CO USA,Regis University School of Physical Therapy, Denver, CO USA
| | - Denise R. O’Dell
- Regis University School of Physical Therapy, Denver, CO USA,Craig Hospital, Englewood, CO USA
| | | | | | - David Dungan
- Craig Hospital, Englewood, CO USA,Radiology Imaging Associates, Denver, CO USA
| | | | - James M. Elliott
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Northern Sydney Local Health District, The Kolling Research Institute, St Leonards, Sydney, Australia
| | | | - Jennifer Stevens-Lapsley
- University of Colorado School of Medicine, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Physical Therapy Program, Aurora, CO USA
| | - Kenneth A. Weber
- Stanford University School of Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Palo Alto, CA USA
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9
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Rejc E, Smith AC, Weber KA, Ugiliweneza B, Bert RJ, Negahdar M, Boakye M, Harkema SJ, Angeli CA. Spinal Cord Imaging Markers and Recovery of Volitional Leg Movement With Spinal Cord Epidural Stimulation in Individuals With Clinically Motor Complete Spinal Cord Injury. Front Syst Neurosci 2020; 14:559313. [PMID: 33192348 PMCID: PMC7654217 DOI: 10.3389/fnsys.2020.559313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2020] [Accepted: 09/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Previous studies have shown that epidural stimulation of the lumbosacral spinal cord (scES) can re-enable lower limb volitional motor control in individuals with chronic, clinically motor complete spinal cord injury (SCI). This observation entails that residual supraspinal connectivity to the lumbosacral spinal circuitry still persisted after SCI, although it was non-detectable when scES was not provided. In the present study, we aimed at exploring further the mechanisms underlying scES-promoted recovery of volitional lower limb motor control by investigating neuroimaging markers at the spinal cord lesion site via magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Spinal cord MRI was collected prior to epidural stimulator implantation in 13 individuals with chronic, clinically motor complete SCI, and the spared tissue of specific regions of the spinal cord (anterior, posterior, right, left, and total cord) was assessed. After epidural stimulator implantation, and prior to any training, volitional motor control was evaluated during left and right lower limb flexion and ankle dorsiflexion attempts. The ability to generate force exertion and movement was not correlated to any neuroimaging marker. On the other hand, spared tissue of specific cord regions significantly and importantly correlated with some aspects of motor control that include activation amplitude of antagonist (negative correlation) muscles during left ankle dorsiflexion, and electromyographic coordination patterns during right lower limb flexion. The fact that amount and location of spared spinal cord tissue at the lesion site were not related to the ability to generate volitional lower limb movements may suggest that supraspinal inputs through spared spinal cord regions that differ across individuals can result in the generation of lower limb volitional motor output prior to any training when epidural stimulation is provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrico Rejc
- Kentucky Spinal Cord Injury Research Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, United States.,Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, United States
| | - Andrew C Smith
- University of Colorado School of Medicine, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Physical Therapy Program, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Kenneth A Weber
- Department of Anethesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, United States
| | - Beatrice Ugiliweneza
- Kentucky Spinal Cord Injury Research Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, United States.,Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, United States
| | - Robert J Bert
- Department of Radiology, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, United States
| | | | - Maxwell Boakye
- Kentucky Spinal Cord Injury Research Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, United States.,Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, United States
| | - Susan J Harkema
- Kentucky Spinal Cord Injury Research Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, United States.,Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, United States.,Frazier Rehabilitation Institute, University of Louisville Health, Louisville, KY, United States.,Department of Bioengineering, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, United States
| | - Claudia A Angeli
- Kentucky Spinal Cord Injury Research Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, United States.,Frazier Rehabilitation Institute, University of Louisville Health, Louisville, KY, United States.,Department of Bioengineering, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, United States
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10
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Axial MRI biomarkers of spinal cord damage to predict future walking and motor function: a retrospective study. Spinal Cord 2020; 59:693-699. [PMID: 33024298 PMCID: PMC8021607 DOI: 10.1038/s41393-020-00561-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2020] [Revised: 09/18/2020] [Accepted: 09/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Study design Retrospective. Objectives Primary: to assess if axial damage ratios are predictors of future walking after spinal cord injury (SCI), and if they add any predictive value if initial neurological impairment grades are available. Secondary: to determine if lateral spinal cord regions are predictors of future lower extremity motor scores (LEMS). Setting University/hospital. Methods Axial T2-weighted MRIs were used. Axial damage ratios and non-damaged lateral cord volumes were calculated. Each participant answered at 1 year after SCI, “Are you able to walk for 150 feet? (45.72 meters)” For the secondary aim, right and left LEMS were used. Results In total, 145 participants were selected. Individuals that could walk had smaller ratios than those that were unable. Walking and axial damage ratios were negatively correlated. A 0.374 ratio cut-off showed optimal sensitivity/specificity. When initial neurological grades were used, axial damage ratios did not add predictive value. Forty-two participants had LEMS available and were included for the secondary aim. Right cord regions and right LEMS were positively correlated and left regions and left LEMS, but these variables were also correlated with each other. Conclusions Axial damage ratios were significant predictors of walking ability 1 year after SCI. However, this measure did not add predictive value over initial neurological grades. Lateral cord regions correlated with same-side LEMS, but the opposite was also found, calling this biomarker’s specificity into question. Axial damage ratios may be useful in predicting walking after SCI if initial neurological grades are unavailable. Sponsorship This research was funded by a National Institutes of Health award, National Institute of Child Health and Development—NIH R03HD094577.
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11
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Elliott JM, Smith AC, Hoggarth MA, Albin SR, Weber KA, Haager M, Fundaun J, Wasielewski M, Courtney DM, Parrish TB. Muscle fat infiltration following whiplash: A computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging comparison. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0234061. [PMID: 32484835 PMCID: PMC7266316 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0234061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2020] [Accepted: 05/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Here we present a secondary analysis from a parent database of 97 acutely injured participants enrolled in a prospective inception cohort study of whiplash recovery after motor vehicle collision (MVC). The purpose was to investigate the deep and superficial neck extensor muscles with peri-traumatic computed tomography (CT) and longitudinal measures of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in participants with varying levels of whiplash-related disability. Thirty-six underwent standard care imaging of the cervical spine with CT at a level-1 trauma designated emergency department. All 36 participants were assessed with MRI of the cervical spine at <1-week, 2-weeks, 3-, and 12-months post-injury and classified into three groups using initial pain severity and percentage scores on the Neck Disability Index (recovered (NDI of 0–8%), mild (NDI of 10–28%), or severe (NDI ≥ 30%)) at 3-months post MVC. CT muscle attenuation values were significantly correlated to muscle fat infiltration (MFI) on MRI at one-week post MVC. There was no significant difference in muscle attenuation across groups at the time of enrollment. A trend of lower muscle attenuation in the deep compared to the superficial extensors was observed in the severe group. MFI values in the deep muscles on MRI were significantly higher in the severe group when compared to the mild group at 1-year post MVC. This study provides further evidence that the magnitude of 1) deep MFI appears unique to those at risk of and eventually transitioning to chronic WAD and that 2) pre- or peri-traumatic muscular health, determined by CT muscle attenuation, may be contribute to our understanding of long-term recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- James M. Elliott
- Discipline of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, & The Northern Sydney Local Health District, The Kolling Research Institute, St. Leonards, New South Wales, Australia
- Physical Therapy and Human Movement Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Andrew C. Smith
- School of Physical Therapy, Regis University, Denver, CO, United States of America
| | - Mark A. Hoggarth
- Physical Therapy and Human Movement Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Stephanie R. Albin
- School of Physical Therapy, Regis University, Denver, CO, United States of America
| | - Ken A. Weber
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Systems Neuroscience and Pain Lab, Stanford University, Palo Alto, California, United States of America
| | - Mat Haager
- School of Physical Therapy, Regis University, Denver, CO, United States of America
| | - Joel Fundaun
- Physical Therapy and Human Movement Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Marie Wasielewski
- Physical Therapy and Human Movement Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - D. Mark Courtney
- Department of Emergency Medicine Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Todd B. Parrish
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Systems Neuroscience and Pain Lab, Stanford University, Palo Alto, California, United States of America
- Department of Radiology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
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12
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Karlsson A, Peolsson A, Elliott J, Romu T, Ljunggren H, Borga M, Dahlqvist Leinhard O. The relation between local and distal muscle fat infiltration in chronic whiplash using magnetic resonance imaging. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0226037. [PMID: 31805136 PMCID: PMC6894804 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0226037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2019] [Accepted: 11/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between fat infiltration in the cervical multifidi and fat infiltration measured in the lower extremities to move further into understanding the complex signs and symptoms arising from a whiplash trauma. Thirty-one individuals with chronic whiplash associated disorders, stratified into a mild/moderate group and a severe group, together with 31 age- and gender matched controls were enrolled in this study. Magnetic resonance imaging was used to acquire a 3D volume of the neck and of the whole-body. Cervical multifidi was used to represent muscles local to the whiplash trauma and all muscles below the hip joint, the lower extremities, were representing widespread muscles distal to the site of the trauma. The fat infiltration was determined by fat fraction in the segmented images. There was a linear correlation between local and distal muscle fat infiltration (p<0.001, r2 = 0.28). The correlation remained significant when adjusting for age and WAD group (p = 0.009) as well as when correcting for age, WAD group and BMI (p = 0.002). There was a correlation between local and distal muscle fat infiltration within the severe WAD group (p = 0.0016, r2 = 0.69) and in the healthy group (p = 0.022, r2 = 0.17) but not in the mild/moderate group (p = 0.29, r2 = 0.06). No significant differences (p = 0.11) in the lower extremities’ MFI between the different groups were found. The absence of differences between the groups in terms of lower extremities’ muscle fat infiltration indicates that, in this particular population, the whiplash trauma has a local effect on muscle fat infiltration rather than a generalized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anette Karlsson
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
- Center for Medical Image Science and Visualization, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
- * E-mail:
| | - Anneli Peolsson
- Center for Medical Image Science and Visualization, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
- Department of Medical and Health Sciences, Physiotherapy, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - James Elliott
- Faculty of Health Sciences, The University of Sydney, Northern Sydney Local Health District, The Kolling Institute, St Leonards, NSW, Australia
- Department of Physical Therapy and Human Movement Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States of America
| | - Thobias Romu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
- Center for Medical Image Science and Visualization, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Helena Ljunggren
- Department of Medical and Health Sciences, Physiotherapy, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Magnus Borga
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
- Center for Medical Image Science and Visualization, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Olof Dahlqvist Leinhard
- Center for Medical Image Science and Visualization, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
- Department of Medical and Health Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
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13
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Weber KA, Smith AC, Wasielewski M, Eghtesad K, Upadhyayula PA, Wintermark M, Hastie TJ, Parrish TB, Mackey S, Elliott JM. Deep Learning Convolutional Neural Networks for the Automatic Quantification of Muscle Fat Infiltration Following Whiplash Injury. Sci Rep 2019; 9:7973. [PMID: 31138878 PMCID: PMC6538618 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-44416-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2019] [Accepted: 05/15/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Muscle fat infiltration (MFI) of the deep cervical spine extensors has been observed in cervical spine conditions using time-consuming and rater-dependent manual techniques. Deep learning convolutional neural network (CNN) models have demonstrated state-of-the-art performance in segmentation tasks. Here, we train and test a CNN for muscle segmentation and automatic MFI calculation using high-resolution fat-water images from 39 participants (26 female, average = 31.7 ± 9.3 years) 3 months post whiplash injury. First, we demonstrate high test reliability and accuracy of the CNN compared to manual segmentation. Then we explore the relationships between CNN muscle volume, CNN MFI, and clinical measures of pain and neck-related disability. Across all participants, we demonstrate that CNN muscle volume was negatively correlated to pain (R = −0.415, p = 0.006) and disability (R = −0.286, p = 0.045), while CNN MFI tended to be positively correlated to disability (R = 0.214, p = 0.105). Additionally, CNN MFI was higher in participants with persisting pain and disability (p = 0.049). Overall, CNN’s may improve the efficiency and objectivity of muscle measures allowing for the quantitative monitoring of muscle properties in disorders of and beyond the cervical spine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth A Weber
- Systems Neuroscience and Pain Lab, Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA.
| | - Andrew C Smith
- School of Physical Therapy, Regis University, Denver, CO, USA
| | - Marie Wasielewski
- Department of Physical Therapy and Human Movement Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Kamran Eghtesad
- Systems Neuroscience and Pain Lab, Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Pranav A Upadhyayula
- Systems Neuroscience and Pain Lab, Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Max Wintermark
- Department of Radiology, Neuroradiology Section, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Trevor J Hastie
- Statistics Department, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Todd B Parrish
- Department of Radiology, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Sean Mackey
- Systems Neuroscience and Pain Lab, Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - James M Elliott
- Department of Physical Therapy and Human Movement Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA.,Honorary Senior Fellow, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, Queensland, Australia.,Northern Sydney Local Health District, The Kolling Research Institute and The Faculty of Health Sciences, The University of Sydney, St. Leonards, NSW, Australia
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14
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Cummins DP, Connor JR, Heller KA, Hubert JS, Kates MJ, Wisniewski KR, Berliner JC, O’Dell DR, Elliott JM, Weber KA, Smith AC. Establishing the inter-rater reliability of spinal cord damage manual measurement using magnetic resonance imaging. Spinal Cord Ser Cases 2019; 5:20. [PMID: 31240117 PMCID: PMC6461921 DOI: 10.1038/s41394-019-0164-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2018] [Revised: 02/05/2019] [Accepted: 02/06/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Study design Retrospective study. Objectives To establish the inter-rater reliability in the quantitative evaluation of spinal cord damage following cervical incomplete spinal cord injury (SCI) utilizing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). MRI was used to perform manual measurements of the cranial and caudal boundaries of edema, edema length, midsagittal tissue bridge ratio, axial damage ratio, and edema volume in 10 participants with cervical incomplete SCI. Setting Academic university setting. Methods Structural MRIs of 10 participants with SCI were collected from Northwestern University's Neuromuscular Imaging and Research Lab. All manual measures were performed using OsiriX (Pixmeo Sarl, Geneva, Switzerland). Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) were used to determine inter-rater reliability across seven raters of varying experience. Results High-to-excellent inter-rater reliability was found for all measures. ICC values for cranial/caudal levels of involvement, edema length, midsagittal tissue bridge ratio, axial damage ratio, and edema volume were 0.99, 0.98, 0.90, 0.84, and 0.93, respectively. Conclusions Manual MRI measures of spinal cord damage are reliable between raters. Researchers and clinicians may confidently utilize manual MRI measures to quantify cord damage. Future research to predict functional recovery following SCI and better inform clinical management is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Megan J. Kates
- Regis University School of Physical Therapy, Denver, CO USA
| | | | | | - Denise R. O’Dell
- Regis University School of Physical Therapy, Denver, CO USA
- Craig Hospital, Englewood, CO USA
| | - James M. Elliott
- Faculty of Health Sciences, The University of Sydney, Northern Sydney Local Health District, St Leonards, Sydney, NSW Australia
- Northwestern University Department of Physical Therapy and Human Movement Sciences, Chicago, IL 60611 USA
- School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD Australia
| | - Kenneth A. Weber
- Stanford University Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Palo Alto, CA USA
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15
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McPherson JG, Smith AC, Duben DA, McMahon KL, Wasielewski M, Parrish TB, Elliott JM. Short- and long-term reproducibility of diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging of lower extremity musculature in asymptomatic individuals and a comparison to individuals with spinal cord injury. BMC Musculoskelet Disord 2018; 19:433. [PMID: 30522482 PMCID: PMC6284280 DOI: 10.1186/s12891-018-2361-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2018] [Accepted: 11/23/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DW-MRI) of skeletal muscle has the potential to be a sensitive diagnostic and/or prognostic tool in complex, enigmatic neuromusculoskeletal conditions such as spinal cord injury and whiplash associated disorder. However, the reliability and reproducibility of clinically accessible DW-MRI parameters in skeletal muscle remains incompletely characterized – even in individuals without neuromusculoskeletal injury – and these parameters have yet to be characterized for many clinical populations. Here, we provide normative measures of the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) in healthy muscles of the lower limb; assess the rater-based reliability and short- and long-term reproducibility of the ADC in the same muscles; and quantify ADC of these muscles in individuals with motor incomplete spinal cord injury. Methods Twenty individuals without neuromusculoskeletal injury and 14 individuals with motor incomplete spinal cord injury (SCI) participated in this investigation. We acquired bilateral diffusion-weighted MRI of the lower limb musculature in all participants at 3 T using a multi-shot echo-planar imaging sequence with b-values of 0, 100, 300 and 500 s/mm2 and diffusion-probing gradients applied in 3 orthogonal directions. Outcome measures included: (1) average ADC in the lateral and medial gastrocnemius, tibialis anterior, and soleus of individuals without neurological or musculoskeletal injury; (2) intra- and inter-rater reliability, as well as short and long-term reproducibility of the ADC; and (3) estimation of average muscle ADC in individuals with SCI. Results Intra- and inter-rater reliability of the ADC averaged 0.89 and 0.79, respectively, across muscles. Least significant change, a measure of temporal reproducibility, was 4.50 and 11.98% for short (same day) and long (9-month) inter-scan intervals, respectively. Average ADC was significantly elevated across muscles in individuals with SCI compared to individuals without neurological or musculoskeletal injury (1.655 vs. 1.615 mm2/s, respectively). Conclusions These findings provide a foundation for future studies that track longitudinal changes in skeletal muscle ADC of the lower extremity and/or investigate the mechanisms underlying ADC changes in cases of known or suspected pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob G McPherson
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA.,Department of Physical Therapy and Human Movement Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Andrew C Smith
- Department of Physical Therapy and Human Movement Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA.,School of Physical Therapy, Regis University, Denver, CO, USA
| | - Daniel A Duben
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Katie L McMahon
- Herston Imaging Research Facility, University of Queensland Centre for Clinical Research, Herston, QLD, Australia.,School of Clinical Sciences, Institute of Health and Biosciences Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Marie Wasielewski
- Department of Physical Therapy and Human Movement Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Todd B Parrish
- Department of Radiology, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - James M Elliott
- Department of Physical Therapy and Human Movement Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA. .,School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia. .,Faculty of Health Sciences, The University of Sydney, Northern Sydney Local Health District, St Leonards, NSW, Australia.
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16
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O’Dell DR, Weber KA, Berliner JC, Elliott JM, Connor JR, Cummins DP, Heller KA, Hubert JS, Kates MJ, Mendoza KR, Smith AC. Midsagittal tissue bridges are associated with walking ability in incomplete spinal cord injury: A magnetic resonance imaging case series. J Spinal Cord Med 2018; 43:268-271. [PMID: 30346248 PMCID: PMC7054908 DOI: 10.1080/10790268.2018.1527079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Context: Following spinal cord injury (SCI), early prediction of future walking ability is difficult, due to factors such as spinal shock, sedation, impending surgery, and secondary long bone fracture. Accurate, objective biomarkers used in the acute stage of SCI would inform individualized patient management and enhance both patient/family expectations and treatment outcomes. Using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and specifically a midsagittal T2-weighted image, the amount of tissue bridging (measured as spared spinal cord tissue) shows potential to serve as such a biomarker. Ten participants with incomplete SCI received MRI of the spinal cord. Using the midsagittal T2-weighted image, anterior and posterior tissue bridges were calculated as the distance from cerebrospinal fluid to the damage. Then, the midsagittal tissue bridge ratio was calculated as the sum of anterior and posterior tissue bridges divided by the spinal cord diameter. Each participant also performed a 6-minute walk test, where the total distance walked was measured within six minutes.Findings: The midsagittal tissue bridge ratio measure demonstrated a high level of inter-rater reliability (ICC = 0.90). Midsagittal tissue bridge ratios were significantly related to distance walked in six minutes (R = 0.68, P = 0.03).Conclusion/clinical relevance: We uniquely demonstrated that midsagittal tissue bridge ratios were correlated walking ability. These preliminary findings suggest potential for this measure to be considered a prognostic biomarker of residual walking ability following SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denise R. O’Dell
- School of Physical Therapy, Regis University, Denver, Colorado, USA,Craig Hospital, Englewood, Colorado, USA
| | - Kenneth A. Weber
- Department of Anesthesia, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Stanford University, Palo Alto, California, USA
| | | | - James M. Elliott
- Faculty of Health Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia,Department of Physical Therapy and Human Movement Sciences, Northwestern University Evanston, Illinois, USA,School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Jordan R. Connor
- School of Physical Therapy, Regis University, Denver, Colorado, USA
| | - David P. Cummins
- School of Physical Therapy, Regis University, Denver, Colorado, USA
| | | | - Joshua S. Hubert
- School of Physical Therapy, Regis University, Denver, Colorado, USA
| | - Megan J. Kates
- School of Physical Therapy, Regis University, Denver, Colorado, USA
| | | | - Andrew C. Smith
- School of Physical Therapy, Regis University, Denver, Colorado, USA,Correspondence to: Andrew C. Smith, Regis University School of Physical Therapy, 3333 Regis Boulevard, Peter Claver Hall, Suite 423D, Denver, CO 80221, USA; Ph: +1 (303) 458 4985.
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17
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Jakubowski KL, Smith AC, Elliott JM, Lee SSM. The Relationship Between Volitional Activation and Muscle Properties in Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury. Top Spinal Cord Inj Rehabil 2018; 24:1-5. [PMID: 29434455 DOI: 10.1310/sci17-00007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Purpose: Following a motor incomplete spinal cord injury (iSCI), there is decreased volitional activation and changes in composition, architecture, and stiffness of affected muscles. We investigated the relationship between muscle properties and volitional activation. Methods: The relationship between central activation ratio (CAR), maximum volitional torque (MVT), and muscle properties was assessed in the gastrocnemius of 6 participants with iSCI. Results: No significant relationship was found between CAR and muscle properties, while a significant relationship was found between CAR and MVT. Conclusion: Our findings suggest there may be no relationship between volitional activation and muscle; thus, certain patients with iSCI may benefit from therapies targeted at neural control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristen L Jakubowski
- Department of Physical Therapy and Human Movement Sciences, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Andrew C Smith
- School of Physical Therapy, Regis University, Denver, Colorado
| | - James M Elliott
- Department of Physical Therapy and Human Movement Sciences, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Sabrina S M Lee
- Department of Physical Therapy and Human Movement Sciences, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
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18
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Smith AC, Weber KA, O'Dell DR, Parrish TB, Wasielewski M, Elliott JM. Lateral Corticospinal Tract Damage Correlates With Motor Output in Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2017; 99:660-666. [PMID: 29107041 DOI: 10.1016/j.apmr.2017.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2017] [Revised: 09/21/2017] [Accepted: 10/01/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the relationship between spinal cord damage and specific motor function in participants with incomplete spinal cord injury (iSCI). DESIGN Single-blinded, cross-sectional study design. SETTING University setting research laboratory. PARTICIPANTS Individuals with chronic cervical iSCI (N=14; 1 woman, 13 men; average age ± SD, 43±12y). INTERVENTIONS Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Axial T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of spinal cord damage was performed in 14 participants with iSCI. Each participant's damage was processed for total damage quantification, lateral corticospinal tract (LCST) and gracile fasciculus (GF) analysis. Plantarflexion and knee extension were quantified using an isokinetic dynamometer. Walking ability was assessed using a 6-minute walk test. RESULTS Total damage was correlated with plantarflexion, knee extension, and distance walked in 6 minutes. Right LCST damage was correlated with right plantarflexion and right knee extension, while left LCST damage was correlated with left-sided measures. Right and left GF damage was not correlated with the motor output measures. CONCLUSIONS MRI measures of spinal cord damage were correlated to motor function, and this measure appears to have spatial specificity to descending tracts, which may offer prognostic value after SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew C Smith
- Regis University School of Physical Therapy, Denver, CO; Department of Physical Therapy and Human Movement Sciences, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL.
| | - Kenneth A Weber
- Department of Anesthesia, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA
| | | | - Todd B Parrish
- Department of Radiology, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL
| | - Marie Wasielewski
- Department of Physical Therapy and Human Movement Sciences, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL
| | - James M Elliott
- Department of Physical Therapy and Human Movement Sciences, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL
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