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Assessment of upper limb in tetraplegia: Considerations in evaluation and outcomes research

MJ Mulcahey, PhD, OTR/L, et al.

Figure. Comparison of International Classification for Surgery of the Hand in Tetraplegia (ICSHT) and International Standards for Neurological Classification of Spinal Cord Injury (ISCSCI).

We discuss several measurement tools for evaluating the upper limb of persons with tetraplegia. Muscle strength testing and electrodiagnostics are discussed as they relate to technique and usefulness for clinical trials. Recommendations are set forth for incorporating the International Classification for Surgery of the Hand in Tetraplegia motor and sensory examinations as adjuncts to the International Standards for Neurological Classification of Spinal Cord Injury motor and sensory examinations to further develop electrodiagnostic techniques as measurement tools for acute clinical trials. We also note that much work remains in the development, validation, and clinical deployment of an assessment for upper-limb function after spinal cord injury.


Volume 44 Number 1 2007
Pages 91— 102

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