A patient with C6 ASIA A SCI is learning to pick up objects by extending the wrist, which passively flexes the fingers through tension in the long finger flexor tendons. Which compensatory movement strategy is this patient utilizing?

A patient with C6 ASIA A SCI is learning to pick up objects by extending the wrist, which passively flexes the fingers through tension in the long finger flexor tendons. Which compensatory movement strategy is this patient utilizing?

• A. Tenodesis grasp
• B. Angular momentum
• C. Gravity-assisted substitution
• D. Distal fixation

Answer: (A)

The situation demonstrates a tenodesis grasp. When the wrist is extended, the long finger flexor tendons are put on stretch and passively pull the fingers into a flexed position, creating a grasp without active finger flexion. In a C6 ASIA A SCI, wrist extensors can be active or assistive, so extending the wrist enables the fingers to flex passively to pick up objects. This is a compensatory strategy that leverages intact proximal control (wrist extension) to achieve functional grasp despite limited hand muscle control. The other options don’t describe this tendon-driven, wrist-extension-to-finger-flexion mechanism.

The situation demonstrates a tenodesis grasp. When the wrist is extended, the long finger flexor tendons are put on stretch and passively pull the fingers into a flexed position, creating a grasp without active finger flexion. In a C6 ASIA A SCI, wrist extensors can be active or assistive, so extending the wrist enables the fingers to flex passively to pick up objects. This is a compensatory strategy that leverages intact proximal control (wrist extension) to achieve functional grasp despite limited hand muscle control. The other options don’t describe this tendon-driven, wrist-extension-to-finger-flexion mechanism.