Let me
rephrase your question. Only 10% of the axons in the spinal cord are
necessary and sufficient for recovery of functions such as locomotion.
That is probably why a majority of people with so-called "incomplete"
spinal cord injury recover walking. As many as 50% of people with
incomplete spinal cord injuries will recover walking.
Many
people may have 5% or 8% of the axons and are not functioning. For such
people, preserving, restoring, or regrowing 2-5% of the axons may
restore substantial function. I have seen people who can walk so
normally that most people would not know that they had spinal cord
injury if they saw them. However, such people will tell you that it is
not exactly the same as it was before they were injured.
They may not
be as well coordinated and may not be able to perform as well but
function is function. The answer to your question is of course that
100% of the spinal cord will be necessary for 100% of the function. But
10% of the connection can mediate substantial function.
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