Expected spinal cord independence measure, third version, scores for various neurological levels after complete spinal cord lesions

Abstract

Study design: Multicenter international cohort study.

Objective: The objective of this study was to establish target values for Spinal Cord Independence Measure (SCIM) III scoring in rehabilitation for clinically complete spinal cord lesion (SCL) neurological levels.

Setting: In total, 13 spinal cord units in six countries from North America, Europe and the Middle East were taken.

Methods: Total SCIM III scores and gain at discharge from rehabilitation were calculated for SCL levels in 128 patients with American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale (AIS) grade A on admission to rehabilitation.

Results: Median, quartiles, mean and s.d., values of discharge SCIM III scores and SCIM III gain for the various SCL levels are presented. Total SCIM III scores and gain were significantly correlated with the SCL level (r=0.730, r=0.579, P<0.001).

Conclusions: Calculated discharge SCIM III scores can be used as target values for functional achievements at various neurological levels in patients after AIS A SCL. They are generally, but not always, inversely correlated with SCL level.