IMO Wheelchair Bound would mean the patient is restricted to using a wheelchair at all times for mobility, such as in the case of a C6 SCI for example. Wheelchair borne would just mean someone is on a wheelchair, like a TKR patient presented to the clinic borne on a wheelchair. Wheelchairs are tools for mobility, and therefore the terminology of "wheelchair bound" or "confined to a wheelchair" should be eliminated.
A person uses their wheelchair, they rely on their wheelchair, they are not confined or restricted by their wheelchair. Please help us change the misperception that wheelchairs are confining. According to Merriam-Webster, the adjectival definition of bound is "fastened by or as if by a band: confined." I really don't believe that every person who uses the term "wheelchair-bound" or says somebody is "bound to their wheelchair," is trying to denigrate the individual who uses the wheelchair.
People with mobility conditions aren't 'wheelchair bound'. Here's a look at common myths about wheelchairs and mobility disabilities. For instance, "Virali, who uses a wheelchair, spoke about her experience with using accessible transportation" is totally fine, since it adds a new layer to the story.
Wheelchairborne is often a misspelling of wheelchairbound. Wheelchairborne has no English definition. As an adjective wheelchairbound is confined to a wheelchair.
Unacceptable: Cripple, crippled or deformed. Acceptable: Use a wheelchair or crutches; a wheelchair user; walks with crutches. Unacceptable: Confined/restricted to a wheelchair; wheelchair bound.
Most people who use a wheelchair or mobility devices do not regard them as confining. They are viewed as liberating; a means of getting around. Wheelchair User vs Wheelchair Bound Wheelchair User: We use the term wheelchair user as this best describes what a wheelchair is - it is a tool to be used.
For wheelchair users, a wheelchair can mean greater independence, access and the ability to go out and about in society (as long as places are accessible, of course). Everyone has their preferred terms and it is not possible to capture everyone's preferred terms in written language. However, it is important to understand why these words matter and which to avoid when writing about people with disabilities.
Below, you will find a list of words or phrases to avoid, what to use instead, and a short rationale for each. Wheelchair users are wheelchair bound/confined to a wheelchair. This is common terminology and usually means someone cannot walk at all.
However it's factually incorrect. No one is bound to their wheelchair (in history they might have been so there are many negative connotations with this phrase).