Upper limb myotome assessment

Question 1

What is a myotome?

Answer 1

A specific muscle innervated by a single spinal nerve root

Question 2

Why do we test myotomes?

Answer 2

To assess for potential spinal cord or nerve root damage, helping pinpoint the level of injury or pathology

Question 3

1. Shoulder abduction

Answer 3

Testing C5/C6 spinal nerves (axillary nerve innervating teres minor & deltoids)

Question 4

2. Elbow flexion

Answer 4

Testing C5-C7 spinal nerves (musculotaneous nerve innervating coracobrachialis, biceps & brachialis)

Question 5

3. Elbow extension

Answer 5

Testing C5-T1 spinal nerves (radial nerve innervating triceps & extensor muscles in forearm)

Question 6

4. Finger abduction/adduction

Answer 6

Testing C8/T1 spinal nerves (ulnar nerve innervating flexor muscles