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Chapter 6 - Examination of the Peripheral Nerves in the Hand and Upper Limb

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  22 April 2022

By
Kate Brown ,
L. Chris Bainbridge  and
John E. D. Wright
Edited by
Fazal Ali  and
Nick Harris
Fazal Ali
Affiliation:
Chesterfield Royal Hospital
Nick Harris
Affiliation:
Spire Hospital, Leeds
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Summary

A system for examination of the peripheral nerves of the upper limb is described in this chapter. This includes the ulnar, median, radial, axillary and musculocutaneous nerves. The steps are inspection followed by a screen test to decide if the lesion is likely to be radial, median or ulnar. Then the nerve is examined in more detail by testing sensation and movement in relation to that nerve. Provocation tests are performed if necessary. This chapter also describes nerve compression as a result of thoracic outlet syndrome, as this may be a differential diagnosis. In the ‘Advanced corner’ Tinel’s sign and Valleix phenomenon as well as ‘double crush’ are described.

Keywords

peripheral nerveradial nerveulnar nervemedian nervecompressionthoracic outlet
Type
Chapter
Information
Orthopaedic Examination Techniques
A Practical Guide
 , pp. 89 - 111
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2022

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