Useful C8 and T1 function seen immediately after a complete cervical spinal cord injury: report of 2 cases

Because of the rarity of cervicothoracic spine injuries, detailed reports on the neurologic examination after complete cord injuries are scarce. A few retrospective case series scantily documented the intrinsic hand function after C7-T1 complete cord injuries. A complete cervical cord injury with useful C8 and T1 motor function present immediately after the injury has not been reported to date.

Functional C8 and T1 motor strength at the time of the initial neurologic examination was seen in 2 cases in which a complete C7-T1 injury resulted in paraplegia. Serial neurologic examinations were performed to document useful C8 and T1 motor function and maintenance of the neurologic status after surgical treatment.

Patients can present with useful lower cervical root function (C8 and T1) when first seen at admission after a complete cervical cord injury. Careful neurologic examination must be performed at admission in patients with lower cervical spine injuries because useful intrinsic hand function can be present and must not be overlooked.