Frankel et al used a grading scheme in patients with spinal cord injury. The authors are from the National Spinal Injuries Centre at Stoke Mandeville Hospital in England.
Patient examination: Determine the anatomic level of spinal cord injury.
Motor Function Below Level of Injury
Sensory Function Below Level
Abnormal Reflexes
Term
Grade
complete paralysis (no function)
no sensation
complete
A
complete paralysis (no function)
some sensation
sensory only
B
some motor function but of no practical use to the patient
motor useless
C
some motor function, with some use to the patient
motor useful
D
normal
normal
may be present
recovery
E
where:
• "Sensory only" includes patients with sacral sparing.
• Patients with "motor useful" may be able to walk with or without an aid.
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