lumbar and sacral
Last reviewed 01/2018
The motor and reflex abnormalities secondary to cord compression depend on the level of the lesion:
T12-L1:
- loss of cremasteric reflex
- normal abdominal reflexes
- upper motor neurone signs in the lower limbs
L3-L4 lesion:
- lower motor neurone signs in quadriceps and hip adductors
- normal hip flexion
- absent knee jerk
- ankle reflexes variable - reflex may be increased and a Babinski response elicited; however if the whole conus is involved then there is a lower motor neurone lesion
S1-S2 lesion:
- lower motor neurone weakness in hip extension and and knee flexion; also in calf and foot muscles
- knee jerks are normal
- absent ankle reflexes
- plantars are down going
- anal reflex is normal
S3-S4 lesion:
- loss of anal reflex
- sensory loss - saddle area
- lower limbs are normal