Overview of the Upper Limb Flashcards
What is the main role of the intrinsic muscles of the fingers?
Fine motor movements
What are the symptoms of radial nerve damage and why?
Wrist drop, inability to extend thumb and MCP of all digits and weak extension of the elbow. This occurs because the radial nerve innervates all of the muscles in the posterior compartment of the arm
Name the main symptom of high median nerve injury
Hand of benediction
Name the main symptom of low median nerve injury
Progressive loss of co-ordination and strength in the thumb - lose the movement of opposition
What are the symptoms of ulnar nerve damage and why?
Evident in the hand if thumb not involved, and most commonly demonstrate ‘claw hand’. In high lesion clawing is milder due to presence of FDP muscles (weaker), but in a low lesion there are only intrinsic muscles so there is more clawing
What are the two main categories of grip?
Power grip and precision grip
Briefly describe what is meant by ‘power grip’
all fingers flex around an object with the thumb curled round to press against or move the fingers so all muscles closing the hand are active. This type of grip is most primitive and is present even in newborns.
Briefly describe what is meant by ‘precision grip’
Object is held between the thumb and a finger (not little finger) and the intrinsic muscles are involved to cooperate with the long flexor and extensor muscles. This form of grip is more advanced and develops at approximately 9 months of age
Describe the 3 types of power grip
Cylindrical grip - such as holding a stick/baton
Spherical grip - such as holding a cricket ball
Hook grip - often used for climbing or opening jars
Describe the 4 types of precision grip
plate grip (holding a plate), pinch (holding a toothpick), key (holding a key) and pincer (holding a needle)
