Complete SCI Levels

C1 - C3

• Head/neck movements (cervical flexion and rotation)

• Breathing is dependent on a ventilator

• Total assist

C4

• Scapular elevation/retraction

• Has head/neck control

• Able to breathe on own

• Total assist

C5

• Shoulder flexion, abduction, extension

• Elbow flexion and supination

• Bed ladder for bed mobility

• Mobile arm support, universal cuff, electric (joystick) WC

C6

• A lot more independent

• Full movement of the shoulders and elbows

• Wrist extension (tenodesis)

• Universal cuff, tenodesis splint

C7

• Elbow extension (triceps)

• Wrist flexion

• Able to work on transfers (depression scoop transfer)

• Typically Mod I in most ADLs

C8

• Finger flexion

• Thumb extension

• Grasp and release

• Decreased need for AE

T1

• Finger abduction

T1 - T4

• Full UE function

• Normal motor function in upper body

T5 - T9

• High back WC

• Independent for basic ADLs

• Teaching how to do ADLs in a seat sit or table sit position

T7 - T12

Movement/stabilization of trunk

T10 - L1

• Able to sit unsupported

• Focus is on community mobility

• Good trunk balance

• Manual low-back WC

L2

Hip flexion/adduction

L2 - S5

• Some knee, hip, and foot movements with possible slow difficulty walking assistance or aids.

• Only heavy home maintenance and hard cleaning will need assistance.