Table 2.
Dutch clinical prediction rule (DCPR) variables and scoring
| Variable | Range of test scores | Weighted coefficients | Minimum score | Maximum score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Age > 65 years | 0–1 | − 10 | − 10 | 0 |
| Motor score L3 | 0–5 | 2 | 0 | 10 |
| Motor score S1 | 0–5 | 2 | 0 | 10 |
| Light touch score L3 | 0–2 | 5 | 0 | 10 |
| Light touch score S1 | 0–2 | 5 | 0 | 10 |
| Total | − 10 | 40 | ||
| van Middendorp JJ, Hosman AJF, Donders ART, Pouw MH, Ditunno JF, Curt A, et al. A clinical prediction rule for ambulation outcomes after traumatic spinal cord injury: a longitudinal cohort study. Lancet. 2011;377:1004–10 | ||||
Scoring of motor and sensory scores is in accordance with the international standards for neurological classification of spinal cord injuries (ISNCSCI), from the American Spine Injury Association (ASIA) and the International Spinal Cord Society (ISCoS). Assessment is performed within 15 days following injury. The best motor and sensory score (left vs. right) is used
The motor score is calculated as follows: 0 = Total paralysis; 1 = Palpable or visible contraction; 2 = Active movement with gravity eliminated; 3 = Active movement against gravity; 4 = Active movement against some resistance; 5 = Active movement against full resistance; NT = Not testable. Motor function is tested with knee extension at L3 and plantar flexion at S1
The sensory score is calculated as follows: 0 = Absent; 1 = Altered; 2 = Normal; NT = Not Testable. Sensation is typically tested at the medial femoral condyle for the L3 dermatome and the lateral aspect of the heel for the S1 dermatome
The age, motor L3, motor S1, light touch L3 and light touch S1 scores are multiplied by the respective weight coefficients. The sum of these numbers is then the final score, which ranges from − 10 (patient 65 years or older with complete paralysis and absent sensation at both L3 and S1) to 40 (patient younger than 65 years with active movement against full resistance and normal sensation at both L3 and S1)
For example, a 65-year-old patient (A) with a 1 out of 5 strength in knee extension (L3) and 0 out of 5 strength in plantarflexion (S1) and scant sensation in both dermatomes will obtain a score of 2 (− 10 + 2 + 0 + 5 + 5), while a 50-year-old patient (B) with 2 out of 5 strength in L3 and 2 out of 5 strength in S1 and unimpaired sensation in the corresponding dermatomes will obtain a score of 28 (0 + 4 + 4 + 10 + 10)