Pulmonary Function Assessment:

Cervical and thoracic spinal cord injury or disease can cause varying degrees of breathing (respiratory) impairment.  Pulmonary function tests provide quantifiable information about the level of impairment.  These tests are practical and cost efficient.  Advanced methods of assessment are currently available.  The primary reasons for performing a pulmonary function include:

1.      To assess the need for acute intervention.

2.   To determine the degree of neurological and related pulmonary impairment.

3.      To help identify the type of respiratory and physical therapy required.

4.      To assess the ability to move secretions.

5.      To see as a baseline for outcome assessment.

Tests, which are often performed as part of a pulmonary function assessment, include vital capacity, peak expiratory flow, which tests the patient’s ability to properly ventilate and expel pulmonary secretions.  Pulse oximetry is used to measure the amount of arterial oxygen saturation in the body.  The oximetry sensor is usually placed over the finger over distal end of a digit.

Questionnaires:

Questionnaires provide useful information, but should never be used as a substitute for a good history and examination.  Questionnaires may be scored assign risk and to provide a basis for comparison after treatment.  There are a variety of specialized questionnaires that are used to document outcome.  These types of questionnaires are generally completed prior to, during and after spine care is administered.  Questionnaires are used to evaluate many considerations such as family history, personal history.  Questionnaires can also be used to assess pain perception, the ability to perform activities of daily living, to assess perceived treatment outcome, mental health, and the perception of quality of life. 

Range of Motion Assessment: (ROM):

Range of motion (ROM) assessment is used to evaluate the movement pattern of an isolated joint or of a region of the body or spine.  ROM can be performed using simple goniometry or by using a digital inclinometer.  It can be performed manually or with the assistance of a computer. 

Range of motion (ROM) testing is an important measure of physical performance. Range of motion assessment can be used to assess:

1.                  Joint contracture.

2.                  Muscle hypertonicity.

3.                  Reactive spasticity or clonus.

4.                  Pain limitation.

5.                  Evaluate range of motion over a spinal region when there has been some segmental stabilization with fusion.

Manual goniometry requires the use of a large protractor that is held in the proximity of the area to be tested. The findings are recorded as degrees of motion. Inclinometery is a method of measuring movement against a constant. There are many types of inclinometers including, mechanical, electronic and fluid filled bubble-level devices. Inclinometery can be used to measure complex motions of the spine. This method is superior to goniometry for assessing spinal motion. Inclinometers have also been shown to better than radiographic measurement for the assessment of spinal movement.