Radiculopathies + nerve lesions Flashcards
L3 nerve root compression features
sensory loss over anterior thigh
weak quadriceps
reduced knee reflex
positive femoral stretch test
L4 nerve root compression features
sensory loss over anterior aspect of knee
weak quadriceps
reduced knee reflex
positive femoral stretch test
L5 nerve root compression features
sensory loss over dorsum of foot
weakness in foot and hallux dorsiflexion
reflexes intact
positive sciatic nerve stretch test
S1 nerve root compression features
sensory loss over posterolateral aspect of leg and lateral aspect of foot
weakness in plantar flexion of foot
reduced ankle reflex
positive sciatic nerve stretch test
Define radiculopathy
range of symptoms produced by the pinching of a nerve root in the spinal column
Mechanism of injury of axillary nerve
humeral neck fracture/dislocation
results in flattened deltoid
Mechanism of injury of radial nerve
humeral midshaft fracture
Radial nerve lesion features
wrist drop
Median nerve lesion at wrist features
thenar muscle paralysis
opponens pollicis paralysis
Median nerve lesion at elbow features
loss of pronation of forearm
weak wrist flexion
Ulnar nerve lesion features
claw hand (clawing milder in higher lesions) wrist hyperextension
Mechanism of injury of ulnar nerve
medial epicondyle fracture
Long thoracic nerve damage features
winged scapula
Mechanism of injury of long thoracic nerve
blow to ribs (often during sport)
complication of a mastectomy
Describe Erb-Duchenne palsy
due to damage to upper trunk of brachial plexus (C5, C6)
may be secondary to shoulder dystocia during birth
arm hangs by side, is internally rotated and elbow extended
