Hand exam- movements, dermatomes etc

Question 1

Describe the course/anatomy of the median nerve?
what nerve roots?
flexor/extensor?

Answer 1

C5-T1

Question 2

what are the mechanisms of injury to the median nerve?

Answer 2

carpel tunnell syndrome

supracondylar humeral fracture (proximal lesions)

Question 3

causes of carpel tunnel syndrome

Answer 3

idiopathic- majority of cases
RA
pregnancy
obesity
hypothyroid
diabetes
acromegaly
bony growths- spurs

Question 4

features of a median nerve palsy?
what would you see on physical exam of the hand?

sensory distribution?
motor changes?
any wasting?

Answer 4

wasting of the thenar eminence (rare- in severe cases)

weakness of thumb abduction

sensory loss in the distribution of the median nerve-

popes blessing on making a fist- this is a proximal lesion of the median nerve