Factors for Predicting Instant Neurological Recovery of Patients with Motor Complete Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury

Abstract

The objective of this study was to analyze the factors affecting the instant recovery of neurological function in patients with motor complete traumatic spinal cord injury (TSCI) treated in hospital. Methods: A retrospective analysis of 1053 patients with TSCI classified according to the American Spinal Cord Injury Association (ASIA) as grades A and B at 59 tertiary hospitals from 1 January 2018 to 31 December 2018 was performed. All patients were classified into motor complete injury (ASIA A or B) and motor incomplete injury (ASIA C or D) groups, according to the ASIA upon discharge. The injury level, fracture segment, fracture type, ASIA score at admission and discharge, treatment protocol, and complications were recorded. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to evaluate the relationship between various factors and the recovery of neurological function. Results: The results of multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that the ASIA score on admission (p < 0.001, odds ratio (OR) = 5.722, 95% confidence interval (CI): 4.147–7.895), fracture or dislocation (p = 0.001, OR = 0.523, 95% CI: 0.357–0.767), treatment protocol (p < 0.001; OR = 2.664, 95% CI: 1.689–4.203), and inpatient rehabilitation (p < 0.001, OR = 2.089, 95% CI: 1.501–2.909) were independently associated with the recovery of neurological function. Conclusion: The recovery of neurological function is dependent on the ASIA score on admission, fracture or dislocation, treatment protocol, and inpatient rehabilitation.