What are the motor and sensory distributions of the median nerve?
To summarize, the median nerve provides the motor supply to the flexor muscles in the forearm, except flexor carpi ulnaris and the ulnar head of flexor digitorum profundus (which is supplied by the ulnar nerve). It also supplies the thenar muscles as well as the radial two lumbricals.
What is the sensory distribution of the median nerve?
The median nerve also provides sensory innervation to the dorsal aspect (nail bed) of the distal first two digits of the hand, the volar aspect of the thumb, index, middle, and half of the ring finger, the palm, as well as the medial aspect of the forearm.
How do you find the median nerve motor function?
Median motor function >> Ask patient to touch the distal tip of the thumb to the distal tip of the fifth finger and hold it. Then, attempt to pull the two fingers apart and ask patient to resist.
What compartment does the median nerve innervate?
The main trunk of the median nerve innervates the superficial and deep groups of the muscles in the anterior compartment of the forearm with the exception of flexor carpi ulnaris.
What causes compression of the median nerve?
Median nerve compression is also associated with decreased space in the carpal canal, which can be caused by increased edema and inflammation of tenosynovium seen in systemic conditions such as diabetes, arthritis, thyroid dysfunction, and renal failure.
Is ulnar nerve sensory or motor?
The ulnar nerve provides motor innervation to part of the forearm and majority of the hand. It supplies sensory cutaneous innervation to the medial forearm, medial wrist, and medial one and one-half digits.
Where is the median nerve?
The median nerve is a sensory and motor nerve of the arm (or upper limb). It arises from the lateral and medial cords of the brachial plexus, originating in the spinal cord, and runs through the anterior portion of the arm and forearm before finishing its path at the hand and digits (fingers).
What is median nerve decompression?
The median nerve is decompressed in the forearm. A Z-plasty lengthening is performed on the pronator teres tendon. In addition, the tendon of the deep head of the pronator teres is transected and the flexor digitorum superficialis tendinous arch is released.
How do you treat motor nerve damage?
A number of treatments can help restore function to the affected muscles.
- Braces or splints. These devices keep the affected limb, fingers, hand or foot in the proper position to improve muscle function.
- Electrical stimulator.
- Physical therapy.
- Exercise.