11 January 2010

Radial nerve

Inspection:
  • wrist drop
  • wasting of 1st dorsal interossei
  • scar over elbow
palpate:
  • decrased sensation over 1st dorsal web space
  • preservation of DIPJ extension (interossei and lumbricals - median and ulnar nerve)
differentiate level
  • wrist
    • only involve posterior interosseus nerve - sensation normal, only weakness
  • humerus
    • decrease sensation over forearm
  • cervical
    • decrease power of triceps