Study design: Cross-sectional observational study.
Objectives: Deep-tissue injury (DTI) originates in subcutaneous soft tissue and progresses outward without early skin changes, making diagnosis difficult in people with spinal-cord injury (SCI). We evaluated the incidence of DTI with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and sought associated risk factors.
Setting: Kibikogen Rehabilitation Center for Employment Injuries, Japan.
Methods: Fifty-six wheelchair-dependent adults with SCI of at least 1 month's duration underwent pelvic sagittal STIR MRI screening. DTI-positive sites were defined by signal changes in subcutaneous fat or muscle. Ultrasonography, body composition, seating-related variables, and laboratory data were collected concurrently. Univariate and multivariate logistic-regression analyses identified independent risk factors.
Results: MRI detected subclinical DTI in 33 of 112 ischial regions (29.5%). Ultrasonography was concordant in only 15 sites (45.5%). Multivariable analysis showed that longer daily wheelchair use (p = 0.018), greater subcutaneous-tissue thickness at the ischial tuberosities (p = 0.028), and less-frequent pressure-relief manoeuvres (p = 0.031; protective) were independently associated with DTI. BMI, peak interface pressure, and routine haematologic or nutritional markers were not significant.
Conclusions: MRI screening revealed subclinical DTI in nearly one-third of wheelchair-dependent patients with SCI and outperformed ultrasonography for early detection. Extended sitting time, thicker subcutaneous fat at the ischial tuberosity, and infrequent pressure relief emerged as modifiable risk factors. A risk-based MRI surveillance strategy may enable timely preventive interventions and reduce progression to overt pressure ulcers.
Study design: Retrospective cohort study.
Objectives: To identify clinical and demographic factors associated with functional recovery and length of hospital stay in individuals with spinal cord injury undergoing inpatient rehabilitation.
Setting: Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Center at Ankara Bilkent City Hospital, Turkey.
Methods: Medical records of patients with spinal cord injury admitted for inpatient rehabilitation between January 2020 and September 2023 were retrospectively reviewed. Demographic characteristics, injury-related variables, neurological level, ASIA classification, SCIM III scores, complications, assistive rehabilitation interventions, bladder management, and functional status were collected. Univariate analyses (Mann-Whitney U, Kruskal-Wallis, Chi-square) were performed, followed by multivariate regression to identify independent predictors of functional outcomes.
Results: A total of 342 patients were included (mean age 38.9 ± 16.2 years). The mean length of stay was 41.6 ± 20.3 days. Univariate analyses showed that age, time since injury, neurological level, multiple hospitalizations, SCIM III scores, complications, advanced rehabilitation technologies, and bladder catheterization were significantly associated with both functional status and hospitalization duration (p < 0.05). Multivariate regression demonstrated that age (β = -0.24, 95% CI: -0.35 to -0.13, p < 0.001), presence of complications (β = -0.31, 95% CI: -0.46 to -0.17, p < 0.001), and bladder catheterization (β = -0.19, 95% CI: -0.32 to -0.07, p = 0.004) were independent predictors of discharge SCIM III scores.
Conclusions: Age, neurological integrity, complications, and bladder management are key determinants of functional outcomes in SCI rehabilitation, while these factors also influence length of stay. Early complication prevention, optimized bladder care, and tailored rehabilitation strategies may enhance recovery and shorten hospitalization.
Sponsorship: No commercial sponsorship was received for this study.

