Relationship Between Ultrasound Measurements of Quadriceps and Discharge Outcomes in Patients With Spinal Cord Injury

Abstract

<h3>Research Objectives</h3> To study the relationship between changes in muscle ultrasound parameters of the rectus femoris and functional outcomes of patients with incomplete spinal cord injury after inpatient rehabilitation. <h3>Design</h3> Prospective cohort study. <h3>Setting</h3> Tertiary rehabilitation center. <h3>Participants</h3> 40 consecutive patients with incomplete spinal cord injury. <h3>Interventions</h3> An initial ultrasound assessment was performed within 2 weeks of injury, and a follow-up assessment was performed at 4 weeks. Ultrasound measurements were performed using B-mode ultrasound scanning and standardized protocols. <h3>Main Outcome Measures</h3> Lower extremity muscle score (LEMS), functional independence measure (FIM), Walking Index for Spinal Cord Injury II (WISCI II). <h3>Results</h3> 40 patients were recruited, with a mean age of 60.0 (SD=16.7) years. An increase in rectus femoris muscle thickness was significantly related with increased LEMS (Spearman's rho = 0.448), increased FIM motor subscores (Spearman's rho = 0.595) and increased WISCII scores (Spearman's rho = 0.531) on discharge. An increase in rectus femoris echo intensity was also significantly related with reduced LEMS (Spearman's rho = -0.345), reduced FIM motor subscores (Spearman's rho = -0.413) and reduced WISCII scores (Spearman's rho = -0.355) on discharge. <h3>Conclusions</h3> We report that a relationship exists between muscle ultrasound parameters of the rectus femoris and ambulatory outcomes after inpatient rehabilitation. These findings are potentially useful in understanding the role of muscle in functional recovery. <h3>Author(s) Disclosures</h3> None.