What is the effect of an injury between T11 to L1?

Injuries occurring between the T11 and L1 vertebrae typically result in paralysis and loss of sensation in the hips and legs. This is due to the fact that these vertebrae are located in the thoracic-lumbar junction of the spine, affecting the spinal cord segments responsible for innervating the lower extremities. Specifically, the T11 and L1 regions correspond to areas where the spinal nerves that serve the pelvis and legs originate.

When injury occurs in this segment, the body loses motor control and sensory function below the level of the injury, leading to impaired movement and feeling in the hips and legs. This condition is often categorized as paraplegia, which describes paralysis affecting the lower half of the body, rather than the arms or other areas.

Given this understanding, the correct answer reflects the physiological consequences of a spinal cord injury at these levels, underscoring its impact on the lower limbs while sparing upper body function.