Physical Therapy Interventions in a Patient with Nontraumatic Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury Secondary to Metastatic Lung Cancer: A Case Report

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background and Introduction: Individuals with dual cancer and spinal cord injury diagnoses present unique challenges to rehabilitation teams. This case report describes the modification of a physical therapy plan of care for an individual with incomplete spinal cord injury (iSCI) resulting from metastatic lung cancer who underwent adjunctive cancer treatment. Case Description: A 61-year-woman with small cell lung cancer and T5 iSCI presenting to inpatient rehabilitation (IPR) to address function limitations from iSCI following metastatic epidural tumor resection. Intervention: Interventions focused on task-specific training of mobility skills with modifications made to address cancer-related fatigue, promote energy conservation, and prioritize functional skills for home discharge given anticipated disease progression. Outcomes: IPR length of stay was 31 days. Functional Independence Measure (FIM) total score increased from 52/133 at admissions to 106/133 at discharge. Spinal Cord Independence Measure – III (SCIM-III) total score increased from 31/100 to 55/100. Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue Subscale score increased from 21/52 to 41/52 reflecting reduced fatigue level compared to admission. These gains facilitated discharge home with family support. Conclusion: Physical therapy plan of care required consideration of dual diagnosis, cancer-related fatigue, and patient-centered goals. Participation in IPR positively affected quality of life and ability to return home with family.