spinal cord injury

Epidemiology

Nearly 2/3 cervical level injury survivors have C6 root level function

- biceps and wrist extension function

Requirements

1. Transfer / Triceps

2. Object manipulation

- grip 

- key grip / self catheterisation 

Timing

Consider > 18/12

Allows

- serial evaluation

Definition

Complete Lesion 

- bulbocavernosus reflex present 

- no cord function below lesion

- very poor prognosis for recovery

Incomplete Lesion

- bulbocavernosus reflex present

- some cord function below lesion

- good prognosis for recovery

Anatomy

Vertebral Canal narrowest at T8/9

- Also area of vascular watershed