Complete injuries result in a total loss of sensation and function below the injury level. Incomplete injuries result in a partial loss.  Complete does not necessarily mean the cord has been severed.  In fact, the criterion for determining neurological ‘completeness’ is determined by ‘sacral sparing’ in the ASIA neurological assessment.  This test requires examining the presence of voluntary contraction of the external anal sphincter upon digital stimulation.  Both complete and incomplete categories can occur in paraplegia and quadriplegia.    Jacobs, P. L., & Nash, M. S. (2004). Exercise recommendations for individuals with spinal cord injury. Sports Medicine, 34(11), 727–751. https://doi.org/10.2165/00007256-200434110-00003