First year revision - SCI

Question 1

Name the 3 ascending tracts

Answer 1

Spinocerebellar tract
Spinothalamic tract
Dorsal column medial lemniscus system (gracile fasciculus and cuneate fasciculus)

Question 2

Name the 5 descending tracts

Answer 2

Corticospinal
Rubrospinal
Reticulospinal
Vestibulospinal
Tectospinal

Question 3

What assessment scale is used to assess level and severity of damage?

Answer 3

ASIA Impairment Scale

Question 4

Describe functional ability of a C5 SCI?

Answer 4

Partial innervation of all shoulder muscles, elbow flexion, supination
Able to carry out feeding, drinking and grooming with wrist supports and aids

Question 5

Describe the functional ability of a C6 SCI?

Answer 5

Radial wrist extension (tenodesis grip/ release)
Good scapula/ GHJ control/ pronation
Can drive, stand in frame

Question 6

Describe functional ability of C7 SCI?

Answer 6

Elbow extension, wrist flexion, radial wrist flexion, PIP/ DIP flexion, MCP extension, thumb extension and abduction

Question 7

Describe functional ability of C8-T1 SCI?

Answer 7

Forearm pronation, ulnar wrist flexion, MCP flexion, PIP and DIP extension, finger add/abduction, thumb flexion, opposition and adduction

Question 8

Describe functional ability of T2-T6?

Answer 8

Full arm function
Partial trunk stability
All muscles of UL, partial innervation of IC, partial abdominal, long muscles of back

Question 9

Describe functional ability of T7-T12?

Answer 9

Towards normal cough
Improved trunk stability and balance
Full intercostals, abs partially to fully innervated

Question 10

Describe functional ability of L1/2?

Answer 10

Wheelchair user, may walk with callipers and crutches

Hip flexion, hip abduction

Question 11

Describe functional ability of L3?

Answer 11

Can walk with ankle and foot orthoses and crutches

Partial quads

Question 12

Describe functional ability of L4?

Answer 12

Walk with ankle support, insoles and sticks

Hamstrings, knee flexion, ankle dorsiflexion, inversion, external hip rotation, partial tib ant