After completing acute rehabilitation, a patient with C5 AIS A SCI is assessed for transfers. Which describes the expected independence level most accurately?

After completing acute rehabilitation, a patient with C5 AIS A SCI is assessed for transfers. Which describes the expected independence level most accurately?

• A. Independent with push-up transfers to all surfaces
• B. Independent with sliding board transfers to level surfaces
• C. Maximum assistance with transfer board or patient lift
• D. Dependent; requires a 3-person flat slide or mechanical lift

Answer: (C)

The main idea is how motor function below the injury level affects transfer independence. A complete spinal cord injury at C5 (AIS A) means there is no motor or sensory function below C5. That typically leaves you with some shoulder movement and elbow flexion, but no elbow extension (triceps function) and no usable hand grip. Transfers like a push-up transfer rely on elbow extension to lift yourself up, and sliding-board transfers require enough hand/arm control to grasp and push across the board. Without elbow extension and hand function, independent transfers aren’t realistically achievable. Using a transfer board or a patient lift lets the person participate with positioning and supervision, but still requires significant assistance from a caregiver, which fits the description of maximum assistance. Choices describing independent push-up or sliding-board transfers aren’t feasible for a C5 AIS A, and being fully dependent would be more restrictive than what’s typically observed with this level of injury.

The main idea is how motor function below the injury level affects transfer independence. A complete spinal cord injury at C5 (AIS A) means there is no motor or sensory function below C5. That typically leaves you with some shoulder movement and elbow flexion, but no elbow extension (triceps function) and no usable hand grip. Transfers like a push-up transfer rely on elbow extension to lift yourself up, and sliding-board transfers require enough hand/arm control to grasp and push across the board. Without elbow extension and hand function, independent transfers aren’t realistically achievable. Using a transfer board or a patient lift lets the person participate with positioning and supervision, but still requires significant assistance from a caregiver, which fits the description of maximum assistance. Choices describing independent push-up or sliding-board transfers aren’t feasible for a C5 AIS A, and being fully dependent would be more restrictive than what’s typically observed with this level of injury.