Which statement is true about T12-L2 motor level impairments?

• A. They experience crawling difficulty with flexion contractures and rotational/ankle deformities
• B. They have no hip flexors
• C. They walk independently
• D. They have normal lower-extremity function

Answer: (A)

The key idea here is that a T12-L2 motor level injury typically causes weakness in proximal hip muscles (hip flexors) along with other lower-limb weaknesses. Crawling requires bringing the thigh and knee into flexion and coordinating trunk stability; when hip flexors are weak, initiating and sustaining that crawling pattern is difficult. Over time, imbalances between flexors and extensors, combined with reduced movement and spasticity, can lead to flexion contractures of the hips and knees and rotational deformities at the hips, along with ankle deformities. This pattern explains why crawling is hard and why contractures and rotational/ankle changes may develop.

Hip flexors are not completely absent in this level, so saying there are no hip flexors is too absolute. Independent walking is unlikely because lower-extremity weakness and contractures limit propulsion and stability, and normal lower-extremity function is not expected at this motor level.