Elective bilateral above the knee amputation in T4-complete spinal cord injury: a case report.

STUDY

DESIGN

This case study outlines an individual with a T4 complete level injury with Ashworth scale grade 4 spasticity of the lower extremities.

OBJECTIVE

To discuss a treatment option for this individual with spinal cord injury (SCI) who had a variety of functional impairments, disabilities, and medical complications based on his level of injury.

SETTING

The department of physical medicine and rehabilitation at Kaiser Permanente in San Diego, California.

METHODS

The patient's lower extremity spasticity contributed to pressure ulcers of his hips and feet as well as comfort and functional issues with his instrumental activities of daily living (ADLs). After failing medical therapies to control spasticity, and much discussion, bilateral above the knee amputations were performed.

RESULTS

The patient had resolution of his SCI medical complications and a marked improvement in his quality of life.

CONCLUSION

This case study discusses a treatment option for a SCI-complete patient whose lower extremities had become detrimental to his function and general well being.