Spinal Injuries Flashcards
What are the myotomes C5-T1
C5 - shoulder abduction (deltoid) C6 - elbow flexion/wrist extensors (biceps) C7 - elbow extensors (triceps) C8 - long finger flexors (FDS/FDP) T1 - finger abduction (interossi)
What are the lower limb myotomes L2-S1
L2 - hip flexion (iliopsoas) L3,4 knee extension (quadriceps) L4 - ankle dorsiflexion (tib ant) L5 - big toe extension (EHL) S1 - ankle plantar flexion (gastroc)
What is a complete spinal injury?
No motor or sensory function distal to lesion No anal squeeze No sacral sensation ASIA grade A No change of recovery
What is an incomplete injury?
Some function is present below site of injury
More favourable prognosis
What is quadriplegia
Partial or total loss of use of all four limbs and trunk
Loss of motor/sensory function in cervical segments of spinal cord
Respiratory failure
What is spasticity
Increased muscle tone
UMN lesions
Spinal cord and above
Injuries above L1
What is paraplegia
Partial or total loss of use of lower limbs
Impairment or loss of motor/sensory function in thoracic, lumbar or sacral segments of the spinal cord
Arm function spared
Possible impairment of function in trunk
What is central cord syndrome
older patients hyperextension injury centrally cervical tracts more involved weakness of arms > legs Perianal sensation and lower extremity power preserved
What is anterior cord syndrome
Hyperflexion injury Anterior compression fracture Damaged anterior spinal artery Fine touch and proprioception preserved Profound weakness
What is brown sequard syndrome
hemi-section of cord
penetrating injuries
paralysis on affected side
loss of proprioception and fine discrimination
pain and temperature loss on opposite side below the lesion
What is spinal shock
transient depression of cord function below level of injury
flaccid paralysis
areflexia
Last several hour to days after injury
What is neurogenic shock
hypotension bradycardia hypothermia injuries above T6 Secondary to disruption of sympathetic outflow
