Abstract
Upper extremity reconstruction for people with tetraplegia can improve upper-limb function substantially and enhance independence; however, these surgical procedures rarely are performed. This study attempted to identify barriers preventing appropriate candidates from receiving these procedures.
A questionnaire was mailed to a national sample of 379 hand surgeons and 384 physiatrists with an interest in spinal cord medicine. The statistical model assessed 2 main outcomes of the physician survey: (1) whether the provider had been involved in at least one of these procedures in the past year and (2) whether the provider desired to be more involved. We hypothesized that these outcomes were associated with provider attitudes and beliefs and failures of the health care system referral networks.
Most hand surgeons and physiatrists believed that these procedures were beneficial; however, few had either performed or referred even one case over the past year. Multivariable models suggested that a predominant factor in whether these procedures were being performed was the presence of a relationship between the surgeon and physiatrist.
A lack of coordinated cross-specialty relationships appears to present the largest barrier to the appropriate use of upper extremity reconstruction for people with tetraplegia.
