If a lower motor neuron injury occurs at C7, which muscles are primarily affected?

A lower motor neuron injury at the C7 level primarily affects the wrist flexors and finger extensors due to the innervation patterns of the spinal nerves. The C7 nerve root is responsible for the motor control of muscles that facilitate extension of the wrist and fingers. Specifically, the primary muscles that are influenced by C7 include the wrist extensors, such as the extensor carpi radialis and extensor digitorum, which facilitate extension at the wrist and fingers.

Injuries at this level result in weakness or paralysis of these muscle groups, leading to significant functional impairment in grasp and hand function, as individuals may struggle with extension actions. Understanding the affected muscle groups is crucial for crafting appropriate rehabilitation strategies and for anticipating the challenges a patient may face in daily activities following the injury.