Tetraplegia results in functional impairment in the arms, legs, trunk, and pelvic segments. Paraplegia refers to motor and sensory impairment at the thoracic, lumbar, and sacral segments of the spinal cord. It results in sparing of arm function and depending on the level of lesion, impairment in trunk, legs, and pelvic organs.
Complete injury refers to an abscence of sensory and motor function in the lowest sacral segment.
Incomplete injury is used only when there is partial preservation of sensory and for motor function below the neurolgic level and including the lowest sacral segment. All terms definitons were developed and revised by the American Spinal Injury Association.