What motor level function corresponds to 'No LE function, use UEs for all mobility'?

What motor level function corresponds to 'No LE function, use UEs for all mobility'?

• A. T12
• B. L1
• C. L2
• D. S1

Answer: (A)

The concept here is identifying motor level in spinal cord injury as the most caudal spinal segment with functional motor power, with no function in the lower extremities indicating a lesion at or above the thoracolumbar region. If there is no motor function in the legs, the last functioning myotome is at the thoracic–lumbar junction. That corresponds to T12, where trunk control may be present but leg muscles are paralyzed. This explains using the upper extremities for all mobility—wheelchair propulsion and transfers rely on arms because there is no leg motor power. Lower levels like L1 or L2 would still show some leg function (hip flexion or knee extension), and S1 would show plantarflexion — neither matches the description of no LE function. Hence, T12 is the best fit.

The concept here is identifying motor level in spinal cord injury as the most caudal spinal segment with functional motor power, with no function in the lower extremities indicating a lesion at or above the thoracolumbar region.

If there is no motor function in the legs, the last functioning myotome is at the thoracic–lumbar junction. That corresponds to T12, where trunk control may be present but leg muscles are paralyzed. This explains using the upper extremities for all mobility—wheelchair propulsion and transfers rely on arms because there is no leg motor power.

Lower levels like L1 or L2 would still show some leg function (hip flexion or knee extension), and S1 would show plantarflexion — neither matches the description of no LE function. Hence, T12 is the best fit.