chapter 31 - examination of the hand and wrist

Question 1

when taking a specific history, list 6 important things that you would ask about

Answer 1

pain, sensory disturbance, swelling, deformity, function, instability

Question 2

what is the pattern of a radial nerve deficit?

Answer 2

wrist, finger and thumb drop

Question 3

what is the pattern of a median nerve deficit?

Answer 3

pointing sign on attempted flexion

Question 4

what is the pattern of an ulnar nerve deficit

Answer 4

clawing on attempted extension

Question 5

list 5 causes of localised swelling

Answer 5

ganglia
synovitis around tendon sheaths and carpal and finger joints
tumours- usually phalangeal or metacarpals
gout - deposits
infection

Question 6

list 2 causes of generalised swelling

Answer 6

dependent oedema

infection

Question 7

which 2 muscles does the ulnar nerve supply

Answer 7

hypothenar and interossei

Question 8

which muscle is supplied by the median nerve

Answer 8

thenar

Question 9

which 4 major nerves supply the upper limb/hand

Answer 9

musculocutaneous nerve
median nerve
radial nerve
ulnar nerve