Pulmonary dysfunction in patients after cervical spinal cord injury: serial follow-up measurement within the first year post-injury.

Objectives: Respiratory complications are most common cause of morbidity/mortality in patients with cervical spinal cord injury (cSCI) due to respiratory muscle weakness and lower diaphragm position resulting in limited availability of inspiration, reduced thorax mobility and limited forced expiration. Differences in respiratory dysfunctions (RDs) in patients with motor complete versus incomplete cSCI were assessed.

Design: Prospective longitudinal study, serial measurement.