Functional Possibilities and Goals at a State of Complete Spinal Cord Injury

Injury The Last Intact Segment Voluntary Moved Muscle	Functional Possibilities	Other Person Help Required Medical Adds Required
C0-C3 M. trapezius, Mn. scaleni	Person is dependent, operating an electricwheelchair by using a mouth stick; respiratory functions are insufficient.	A care giving is needed for 24 hours a day same as a breathing ventilator; surrounding control is possible by using commands on a mouth stick.
C4 M. diaphragma	Person is dependent, has a good neck control, may operate wheelchair by using head control and mouth stick which is used also for painting, typing and turning pages.	Caregivers are needed in great majority of daily activities. Transfers require a lifter, and a shower – wheelchair is needed for bathing. Passive fixation is necessary in wheelchair.
C5 M. biceps brachii	Person is mostly dependent, uses upper extremities to control surrounding and operates electric wheelchair by using a bar on a command board. Manual wheelchair may be used for managing shorter distances. Person can eat with adapter attached to palm.	Caregivers are needed in a majority of daily activities. Passive help is needed as well as a help for upper extremities. Active fixation in wheelchair.
C6 M. extensor carpi radialis	Person is partly independent; uses trick movements while catching. Possibility of working with one hand, with no drag. Use of manual wheelchair. Independent transfer is also possible.	Person needs a regular help, a manual wheelchair, and a power wheelchair for longer distances. Independent transfer on equal level. Specialized equipment is needed in independent feeding.
C7 M. triceps brachii	Person is mostly independent: uses trick movements while catching. Can transfer independently as well as dress. Uses manual wheelchair and manages mild inclinations. Can drive an adapted car.	To live independently person should have well adjusted surrounding, including electric bed and a sliding board. Needs an assistance while bathing and taking care of physiological needs.
C8 M. latissimus dorsi, Mm. lumbricales	Total independence. One uses a manual wheelchair, manages smaller stairs and catches with strength.	For bathing, person needs a showering wheelchair, and an electrical bed to be able to control physiological needs.
D1-D9 Mm. intercostales	Person is independent in manual wheelchair. Can manage greater inclinations.	For independent moving in a wheelchair, one requires an adjusted living place. A showering wheelchair or a seat are in use for bathing.
D10-L2 lumbal mussels, M. rectus femoris	Complete independence in a wheelchair; one uses braces for standingand managing few stairs	One uses manual wheelchair; adjusted car, braces for a whole leg and high crutches.
L3-L4 M. quadriceps, M. tibialis anterior	Person is independent. Can sit with no back and manage stairs by walking.	Uses wheelchair, short braces and crutches.
L5-S1 M. triceps surae, Mm. peronei	Complete independence. Can stand and work, drives a car with an automatic changer..	Use of under-knee braces.