| An otherwise healthy 8-year-old male sustains a complete C7 spinal cord injury after a fracture. Which of the following is the most likely sequela following this injury? |
- Hypotension Patients who sustain a spinal cord injury will sometimes suffer from bouts of uncontrolled hypertension as a result of autonomic dysfunction.
- Scoliosis Approximately two-thirds of children with a spinal cord injury eventually develop scoliosis that requires operative stabilization, typically within 18 months to 2 years after the injury.
- Muscle flaccidity across the joints Spasticity develops in the joints with innervation distal to the level of the injury..
- Respiratory compromise A C7 level injury will typically not substantially impact independent respiratory function.