The Frankel Classification was published in 1969 and is used to classify spinal cord injuries into five different grades[^1].
Classification
Frankel Grade | Degree of paralysis | Description |
Grade A | Complete | Complete motor and sensory paralysis. |
Grade B | Sensation preserved only | Complete motor paralysis with partially preserved sensation below the level of the lesion. |
Grade C | Severe incomplete motor paralysis | Some motor function is preserved below the level of the lesion, but it is not sufficient for practical use by the patient. |
Grade D | Incomplete motor paralysis | This grade implies that incomplete motor paralysis is present below the level of the lesion. Patients in this group were able to move the lower extremity. Many of them were able to walk with or without assistance. |
Grade E | Neurologically intact | No neurological deficits. However, abnormal reflexes may occur in this group. |