Compressive mononeuropathies that occur in the upper extremities of chronic paraplegics are considered secondary to the increased stresses imposed as the upper extremities are used in place of the lower extremities for the activities of daily living, including weight bearing and ambulation (or wheelchair propulsion). The aim of the present study is to evaluate the prevalence and rick factors for compressive mononeuropathies in the upper extremity in chronic paraplegics. Electrophysilolgic evidence of ulnar mononeuropathy existed in nine (18.8%) of forty-eight paraplegic patients. But median neuropathy was not found. As the level of spinal cord injury was higher, the prevalence rate for mononeuropathy in the upper extremity increased. These findings demonstrate that compressive mononeuropathies are associated with a cummulative trauma by the use of assistive device and trunk support. |