AISA Impairment Scale

Question 1

A

Answer 1

Complete

No sensory or motor function preserved in sacral segments S4-S5

Question 2

B

Answer 2

Sensory Incomplete

Sensory but not motor function is preserved below the neurological level and extends through the sacral segments S4-S5

Question 3

C

Answer 3

Motor Incomplete
Motor function is preserved below neurological level, and most key muscles below neurological level have a muscle grade less than 3

Question 4

D

Answer 4

Motor Incomplete
Motor function is preserved below neurological level, and most key muscles below neurological level have a muscle grade greater than or equal to 3

Question 5

E

Answer 5

Normal

Sensory and motor functions are normal

Question 6

Motor Level

Answer 6

The motor level is determined by the most caudal key muscles that have strength of 3 or greater with the superior segment tested as normal or 5

Question 7

Motor Index Scoring

Answer 7

Testing each key muscle group using the 0-5 scoring, with total points of 25 per extremity for the total possible score of 100

Question 8

Sensory level

Answer 8

The sensory level is determined by the most caudal dermatome with a normal score of 2/2 for pinprick and light touch

Question 9

KEY MUSCLES TESTED

Answer 9

C5 elbow flexors (biceps, brachialis)
C6 wrist extensorsy (extensor carpi radialis longus and bevis)
C7 elbow extensors (triceps)
C8 finger flexors (flexor digitorum profundus) to middle finger
T1 small finger abductors (abductor digiti minimi)
L2 hip flexors (iliopsoas)
L3 knee extensors (quads)
L4 ankle dorsiflexors (tibialis anterior)
L5 long toe extensors (extensor hallucis longus)
S1 ankle plantar flexors (gastroc, soleus)

Question 10

Sensory scores

Answer 10

0- absent
1- impaired/hyperesthesia
2- intact

Question 11

Sensory testing sites

Answer 11

C2 occipital protuberance
C3 supraclavicular fossa
C4 top of the acromioclavicular joint 
C5 lateral side of antecubital fossa
C6 thumb
C7 middle finger
C8 little finger
T1 medial side of antecubital fossa
T2 apex of axilla
T3 third intercostal space (IS)
T4 fourth IS at nipple line
T5 fifth IS (midway between T4 and T6)
T6 sixth IS
T7 seventh IS
T8 eighth IS
T9  ninth IS
T10 10th IS or umbilicus
T11 11th IS 
T12 midpoint of inguinal ligament 
L1 half the distance between T12 and L2
L2  midanterior thigh 
L3 medial femoral condyle
L4 medial malleolus
L5 dorsum of the foot at third MTP joint
S1 lateral heel
S2 popliteal fossa
S3 ischial tuberosity
S4-5 perianal area (1 level)