Spinal cord injury patients often present with musculoskeletal comorbidities, including osteoarthritis. Early detection of cartilage damage is important for preventing osteoarthritis progression. This study aims to compare the talar cartilage thicknesses of spinal cord injury patients with healthy subjects. The secondary aim is to investigate a correlation between the talar cartilage thickness and disease-related parameters. The patient group is to be assessed for talar cartilage thickness (via ultrasound), functional status, spasticity, and ambulation levels.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Aged between 18 to 60 years,
• Cervical, thoracal or lumber level of spinal cord injury
• AIS (American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale) Level A, B, C, or D
• Assisted ambulation of any kind
• Literacy
• Giving oral and written consent to participate in the study

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients with sacral level injury
• AIS E
• MAS 4 level of spasticity
• History of any lower extremity operation
• History of fracture
• Botulinum toxin injection in the last 6 months
• Existing diagnosis of any rheumatologic or endocrine diseases

Thirty-eight SCI patients who apply to Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation outpatient and inpatient clinic between November 2025-January 2026 will be included in the study.

Thirty-eight age, gender, and BMI-matched healthy participants who are literate, give oral and written consent without any additional disease will be formed as the control group.

The datasets of the study (patient and volunteer demographics, clinical data, and statistical data) will be shared after completion of the study with third parties upon reasonable request.

Beginning 3 months and ending 3 years after the publication of results