What assessment tool is used to evaluate spinal cord injuries and involves testing specific areas of sensation?

Dermatome testing is the correct assessment tool for evaluating spinal cord injuries as it specifically focuses on testing sensory innervation in different regions of the skin corresponding to the spinal nerves. Each dermatome represents a specific area of sensation that is supplied by a particular spinal nerve root. By assessing these areas for sensation, healthcare providers can identify potential spinal cord injuries and determine the level of injury based on which dermatomes are affected.

This method is crucial in understanding the extent of the injury and contributes to developing a treatment plan. The assessment typically involves applying light touch, pinprick, and temperature sensation to the specified dermatomes, allowing for a detailed evaluation of sensory function and possible nerve impairment.