Occupational Therapy Management of the Acute Spinal Cord–Injured Patient

This report describes an occupational therapy program for the patient with an acute spinal cord injury. The program includes guidelines for evaluation and treatment, criteria for early orthotic selection, and psychological considerations. The program was developed by the occupational therapy staff at Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Chicago, in conjunction with a medical team and occupational therapy staff from the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago. The intent of the program is to implement rehabilitation in the acute care environment immediately.