Independent clean intermittent self-catheterization for individuals with tetraplegia.

摘要

Clean intermittent catheterization is the preferred method for bladder management after spinal cord injury. It is recommended by medical professionals because it helps to prevent urinary tract infections and is the most cost-effective option. Current documented literature conflicts with clinical experience when defining the lowest neurological muscle presentation after spinal cord injury (SCI) allowing for modified independence with clean intermittent self-catheterization (CISC). Documented expected functional outcomes also fail to distinguish between the unique self-catheterization requirements for men versus women. This study was conducted at The Institute for Rehabilitation and Research (TIRR) in Houston, Texas. It determined that individuals with functional C6 presentation are able to manage clean intermittent self-catheterization with modified independence (30.8%). Fisher's exact tests were run for gender distinction ability to manage modified independence status with CISC and determined no significant difference (p = .412). However, descriptive statistics demonstrated substantial discrepancy in the ability to perform CISC by gender (male = 47.8%, female = 25%) across all functional levels. Further research in this area is recommended.