Sacral Sparing

Sacral sparing tests can be used to indicate the presence of an incomplete spinal cord injury. With a complete spinal cord injury, the patient will develop complete motor and sensory loss below the level of the injury. No Sacral Sparing.

After the spinal shock disappears as evidenced by the return of the bulbocavernosus reflex, the patient with an apparent complete spinal cord injury must be examined carefully for evidence of sacral sparing. The presence of any sacral sparing indicates an incomplete spinal cord injury. Sacral sparing can be evaluated through testing three different areas: the great toe flexor activity, rectal motor function, and perianal sensation.

Sacral sparing can be evaluated through three tests of great toe flexor activity, rectal motor function, and perianal sensation. If the patient maintains sensation around the anal region, this is known as sacral sparing.

Sacral sparing indicates a favorable prognosis for recovery. The spinothalamic tract is near the corticospinal tract and preservation of the pin prick sensation will predict the recovery of some of the motor function.