MS - Anat & Phys (Brachial plexus & Upper extremity nerves) Flashcards
Pg. 413-414 in First Aid 2014 Sections include: -Brachial plexus lesions -Upper extremity nerves
What are the main regions of the brachial plexus (in sequential order)?
Roots –> Trunks –> Divisions –> Cords –> Branches; Think: “Randy Travis Drinks Cold Beer”
Draw a schematic of the main regions and nerves of the brachial plexus, including the thoracic nerve.
See p. 413 in First Aid 2014 for visual at top of page
What condition results from a lesion of the upper trunk of the brachial plexus? Give 2 names for this condition.
Erb palsy (“waiter’s tip”)
What condition results from a lesion of the lower trunk of the brachial plexus? Give 2 names for this condition.
Claw hand (Klumpke palsy)
What condition results from a lesion of the posterior cord of the brachial plexus?
Wrist drop
What condition results from a lesion of the long thoracic nerve?
Winged scapula
What condition results from a lesion of the axillary nerve?
Deltoid paralysis
What condition results from a lesion of the radial nerve? Give 2 names for this condition.
“Saturday night palsy” (wrist drop)
What 2 symptoms result from a lesion of the musculocutaneous nerve?
Difficulty flexing elbow, variable sensory loss
What symptom results from a lesion of the median nerve, and what is its nickname?
Decreased thumb function, “Pope’s blessing”
What is affected by a lesion of the ulnar nerve, and what condition results?
Intrinsic muscles of hand, claw hand
What is another name for Erb palsy? With what injury is it associated?
Erb palsy (“waiter’s tip”); Traction or tear of UPPER (“Erb-er”) trunk: C5-C6 roots
What causes Erb palsy (“waiter’s tip”) in infants versus adults?
INFANTS - lateral traction on neck during delivery; ADULTS - trauma
What are 3 functional deficits seen with Erb palsy (“waiter’s tip”)? With what muscle(s) is each associated?
(1) Abduction (arm hangs by side) - Deltoid, supraspinatus (2) Lateral rotation (arm medially rotated) - Infraspinatus (3) Flexion, supination (arm extended and pronated) - Biceps brachii
Draw (or at least envision) the presentation of Erb palsy (“waiter’s tip”).
See p. 413 in First Aid 2014 for Erb palsy visual
What is another name for Klumpke palsy? With what injury is it associated?
Claw hand; Traction or tear of LOWER trunk: C8-T1 root
What causes Klumpke palsy in infants versus adults?
INFANTS - upward force on arm during delivery; ADULTS - trauma (e.g., grabbing a tree branch to break a fall)
What is the functional deficit seen with Klumpke palsy? With what muscle(s) is it associated?
Total claw hand: lumbricals normally flex MCP joints and extend DIP and PIP joints; Intrinsic hand muscles: lumbricals, interossei, thenar, hypothenar
With what injury is Thoracic outlet syndrome associated?
Compression of lower trunk and subclavian vessels