What is the tenodesis grasp?
A tenodesis grasp is a passive and functional gripping mechanism that occurs naturally when the wrist moves. It is a key compensatory strategy in occupational therapy, especially for individuals with a spinal cord injury who have limited or no active finger function.
Wrist extends, fingers flex
Forward chaining
The patient starts the task, and the clinician finishes the task.
Forward = patient first
Backward chaining
The clinician starts the task, and the patient finishes the task.
Backward = patient last
Ramp slope
Proper ramp slope is 1/12.
1 in. up, 1 ft. out
What is a flaccid muscle?
A muscle that is weak, soft, limp, and lacks firmness.
How do you treat a flaccid muscle?
Positioning- provide constant support
PROM- maintain joint integrity
Weight-bearing- muscle activation
Sensory stimulation- promotes muscle contraction
SCI: C1-3
Muscles Affected: The Diaphragm, neck, and intercostal muscles are affected.
Functional Impact: Loss of all movement below the neck. The individual requires a ventilator for breathing and is fully dependent on others for all self-care activities. They can use a mouth stick or sip-and-puff controls to operate a powered wheelchair.
SCI: C4
Muscles Affected: Partial preservation of the diaphragm and trapezius muscles.
Functional Impact: Can breathe independently but may need assistance with coughing. Can shrug shoulders and may have some head and neck control. Still fully dependent for most ADLs, but may be able to operate a powered wheelchair with minimal modifications.
SCI: C5
Muscles Affected: Deltoids and biceps are preserved, allowing for shoulder abduction and elbow flexion.
Functional Impact: Can move arms and bend elbows. Can feed themselves with adaptive equipment and can often perform some grooming tasks. They are typically independent with powered wheelchair use.
SCI: C6
Muscles Affected: Wrist extensors (extensor carpi radialis longus and brevis) are preserved.
Functional Impact: The most significant milestone at this level is the ability to use a tenodesis grasp (passive finger flexion with wrist extension). This allows for a functional grip to pick up and manipulate objects. Can be independent with self-care using adaptive equipment and can often transfer with a sliding board.
SCI: C7
Muscles Affected: Triceps are preserved, allowing for elbow extension.
Functional Impact: Can straighten their arms, which greatly improves their ability to push up for transfers and pressure relief. They can often be independent with most ADLs, transfers, and can use a manual wheelchair for most activities.
SCI: C8
Muscles Affected: Intrinsic hand muscles for finger flexion and extension are partially preserved.
Functional Impact: Has a stronger grip and better fine motor control in the hands. This level allows for a high degree of independence with self-care and daily tasks.
SCI: T1
Muscles Affected: Full preservation of arm and hand function.
Functional Impact: The person is functionally independent with self-care and transfers. They use a manual wheelchair for all mobility.
SCI: T1-6
Muscles Affected: Varying degrees of preserved intercostal muscles, which improve breathing and coughing ability. Upper trunk muscles are preserved.
Functional Impact: Excellent trunk control for seated activities. The primary mode of mobility is a manual wheelchair.
SCI: T7-12
Muscles Affected: Full preservation of the abdominal and lower back muscles.
Functional Impact: Has strong trunk stability, which is a major benefit for seated balance. They are fully independent in a manual wheelchair. Some individuals may be able to stand with extensive bracing, but this is not the primary mode of mobility.
SCI: L1-3
Muscles Affected: Preserved hip flexors and adductors.
Functional Impact: Can walk with braces and crutches, though a wheelchair may be used for long distances. Bladder and bowel control may still be affected.
SCI: L4-5
Muscles Affected: Preserved quadriceps (knee extensors). L4 also affects ankle dorsiflexion.
Functional Impact: Can walk with a lesser degree of bracing or crutches. The person is fully independent and can perform all ADLs.
SCI: S1-2
Muscles Affected: Preserved hip abductors and foot plantar flexors.
Functional Impact: Can walk independently, with some weakness in the ankles or feet.
SCI: S3-5
Muscles Affected: Preserved innervation to the bladder and bowels.
Functional Impact: The person typically has a near-normal level of motor function in the lower extremities. The primary issues are typically bladder, bowel, and sexual dysfunction, which can be managed with specific therapies.
Ideomotor Apraxia
A person cannot perform an action on command, but can do it spontaneously
Ideational Apraxia
A person cannot conceptualize and carry out a command. My use of incorrect objects
Boutonniere deformity
Flexion of the PIP joint and hyperextension of the DIP joint
Primary cause is a rupture of the central slip of the extensor tendon
Swan neck deformity
Hyperextension of the PIP joint and flexion of the DIP joint
A cause is a rupture of the lateral slip of the extensor tendon
Anosognosia
Unaware of their own illness or deficits