Assistant Clinical Professor/Neurologist Auburn University/ The Brain Dogtor LLC Opelika, Alabama, United States
Presentation Description / Summary: The Modified Frankel Scale/Score (MFS) remains one of the most frequently cited grading systems for spinal cord injury severity in veterinary neurology, yet its use in the literature is inconsistent and often contradictory. Variations exist, such as whether a score of “0” or “5” or “6” indicates a normal patient. This can create confusion in both clinical communication and research interpretation when status is reported as a “4”. This discussion-based session will trace the history of the MFS, critically review its application across veterinary studies, debate if should even be used, and highlight the implications of its inconsistent use for patient care, training, and research. Participants will be exposed to real-world literature examples, discuss where and why these inconsistencies occur, and collaborate on defining best practices. By addressing a tool that is both foundational and flawed, this session directly supports the veterinary community’s goal of improving standardization, strengthening clinical decision-making, and advancing the quality of published evidence in veterinary neurology.
Learning Objectives:
Describe the development and adaptation of the Modified Frankel Score (MFS) from its origins in human medicine to its use in veterinary neurology.
Critically evaluate published veterinary literature to identify variations in MFS scoring and interpret how these differences affect clinical communication, research comparability, and evidence synthesis.
Discuss the pros and cons of each format and debate which, if any, should be used.
