Predicting Complete versus Incomplete Long-Term Functional Independence after Acute AIS Grade D Spinal Cord Injury: A Prospective Cohort Study.

Background: The proportion of patients with American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale (AIS) grade D traumatic spinal cord injuries (tSCI) is increasing. Although initial motor deficits can be relatively mild, some individuals fail to recover functional independence.

Objectives: This study aims to identify factors associated with failure to reach complete functional independence after AIS grade D tSCI.

Methods: An observational prospective cohort study was conducted at a level 1 trauma center specialized in SCI care. A prospective cohort of 121 individuals with an AIS-D tSCI was considered. The baseline characteristics, length of acute stay, need for inpatient rehabilitation, and 12-month functional status were assessed. Univariate and classification and regression tree (CART) analyses were performed to identify factors associated with reaching complete versus incomplete functional independence (defined as perfect total SCIM III score at 12-month follow-up).

Results: There were 69.3%, 83.3%, and 61.4% individuals reaching complete independence in self-care, respiration/sphincter management, and mobility, respectively. A total of 64 individuals (52%) reached complete functional independence in all three domains. In the CART analysis, we found that patients are more likely to achieve complete functional independence when they have a baseline motor score ≥83 (65% individuals) and if they present fewer medical comorbidities (70% individuals if Charlson Comorbidity Index [CCI] ≤4).

Conclusion: About half of individuals with AIS grade D tSCI can expect complete long-term functional independence. It is important to recognize early during acute care individuals with baseline motor score <83 or a high burden of comorbidities (CCI ≥5) to optimize their rehabilitation plan.