Ultrasonographic Evaluation of Talar Cartilage Thickness in Patients With Spinal Cord Injury

Gaziosmanpasa Research and Education Hospital76 enrolled

Overview

Spinal cord injury patients often present with musculoskeletal comorbidities, including osteoarthritis. Early detection of cartilage damage is important for preventing osteoarthritis progression. This study aims to compare the talar cartilage thicknesses of spinal cord injury patients with healthy subjects. The secondary aim is to investigate a correlation between the talar cartilage thickness and disease-related parameters. The patient group is to be assessed for talar cartilage thickness (via ultrasound), functional status, spasticity, and ambulation levels.

Study Type

OBSERVATIONAL

Enrollment

Conditions

Spinal Cord Injuries (SCI)Osteoarthritis (OA)

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 18 YearsMax age: 60 YearsHealthy volunteers:

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * Aged between 18 to 60 years, * Cervical, thoracal or lumber level of spinal cord injury * AIS (American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale) Level A, B, C, or D * Assisted ambulation of any kind * Literacy * Giving oral and written consent to participate in the study Exclusion Criteria: * Patients with sacral level injury * AIS E * MAS 4 level of spasticity * History of any lower extremity operation * History of fracture * Botulinum toxin injection in the last 6 months * Existing diagnosis of any rheumatologic or endocrine diseases

Locations (1)

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Talar cartilage thickness

The talar cartilage of both lower extremities are to be assessed with ultrasound

Time frame: Baseline

Secondary Outcomes

Functional Independence Measure (FIM) score

Functional Independence Measure scores will be held for the patient group in order to assess functional independence. This 18-item scale ranges between 18-126, higher scores indicating better outcomes.

Time frame: Baseline

Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS)

The spasticity level of patients are to be recorded for both ankle flexor and extensors via Modified Ashworth Scale. This scale ranges from 0 to 4; 0 indicating no spasticity, and 4 indicating severe increase in muscle tone with rigid joint.

Time frame: Baseline

Walking Index for Spinal Cord Injury II (WISCI II)

Ambulatory status of the patients will be recorded with this measuring scale, ranging between 0 (non ambulatory) to 20 (able to walk 10 meters with no devices/orthosis/assistance).

Time frame: Baseline