Relationship between functional levels and movement in tetraplegic patients. A retrospective study

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to set targets for each spinal lesion level after determining the relationship between the spinal lesion level and movement abilities in patients with tetraplegia following injury to the cervical cord. A total of 109 patients, 96 men and 13 women were included in the study. We mainly examined locomotion and transfer capabilities according to Zancolli’s classification. The results of this study showed that 50% of the patients classified as C6a, 75% of C6bi and 96% of the patients classified C6b2 accomplished bed transfer. The number of patients who could manage toilet transfer was 53% in the group classified as C6bi and 85% in group C6b2. These results suggest that achievement of those classified as C6B2 is a clue to the assumption that the patient will achieve toilet transfer capability and can perform ADL independently. © 1995, International Spinal Cord Society. All rights reserved.