Spinal Injury Levels
We talk about spinal injury levels a lot when discussing SCI. Injury level means the location of the damage to the spinal cord, and is described by the corresponding vertebra in the spine.
There are 26 vertebrae in the human spine, divided into four main types:
- (C) – Cervical. This is the neck, which has seven vertebrae
- (T) – Thoracic. This is the chest area, with 12 vertebrae
- (L) – Lumbar. This is the abdomen and trunk, with five vertebrae
- (S) – Sacral. This is at hip level, with two vertebrae including the coccyx
A spinal cord injury is described by the highest point of the injury, under which mobility and sensation are affected.
As an example, an injury at C5 describes a spinal cord injury in the middle of the neck, beneath which sensation and mobility are affected or completely lost.
Is there a type of injury more frequently observed than others?
A Complete and Incomplete Spinal Injury
We’ve previously discussed complete and incomplete spinal injury, and there is a clear prevalence of incomplete injuries, which are far more common than complete injuries.
In incomplete injuries, some function remains below the injury level – but a complete injury maintains no function below the injury level. However, it’s important to remember that incomplete injuries exist on a spectrum; the most severe being practically indistinguishable from complete injuries.
Studies Show the Prevalence of Spinal Injury Levels
In the UK, the leading cause of spinal cord injuries is falls, accounting for over 40% of all injuries. This is closely followed by road accidents, which cause over a third (37%) of SCIs in the UK.
While there’s little data to be found on the most common type of spinal cord injury in the UK, a large American study of 7,834 people with SCI shows evidence that cervical (C1-8) and thoracic spinal cord injuries (T1 to T12) are the most common – indicating a prevalence of tetraplegia in the SCI community, followed closely by paraplegia.
This aligns with another SCI study, which states that the most common spinal cord injury levels are:
- C4 or C5
- T11 or T12
Everyone’s injury and experience of SCI is different – but with the right support, everyone can achieve the best possible outcome.
Everyone’s injury and experience of SCI is different – but with the right support, everyone can achieve the best possible outcome.
Talk to Aspire Law – Spinal Injury Solicitors
Raquel Siganporia is a Senior Solicitor and Director of Business Development at Aspire Law.
If you or a loved one feel you may have suffered a spinal cord injury as a result of an accident or someone else’s negligence, or you are concerned about the treatment you have received, contact Raquel free of charge and in confidence on 0800 030 20 40 or at Raquel.Siganporia@aspirelaw.co.uk.
Alternatively, complete this form and one of our Spinal Injury specialists will contact you.