Examination of Radial Nerve

2 questions that are relevant  to ask that are allowed in short case practical  examination are

(same holds true for all nerve related questions )

1. What happened ?

2. When it happened ?

if allowed ask

3. what are the difficulties for the patient

( Then introduce yourself , ask for permission to proceed and go to examination after proper examination )

Look- Scar

            Wasting of triceps , forearm radial borders


Feel - Temperature


           tenderness - Superficial and deep


         Tinel's sign - v. v.v. important

        check pliability of scar and scar tenderness, check tinel's on scar

          check bony union if there was a previous sign of fracture

          Lymph nodes

           Pulsation / Allen's test


Movement

           quickly assess upper extremity movements



Measurement
   

           quickly assess humerus shortening or  shortening of forearm


Neurovascular examination

Sensation

 Autonomous zone of all 3 nerves in UE

 Muscle power asessment

 Elbow Triceps

Forearm - Supinator , Pronator Teres , Brachioradialis

Wrist - ECRL , ECRB , ECU, PL , FCU , FCR


Hand

          Thumb

                EPL, EPB, Abductor Pollicis ,

           Finger

               EDC , FDS , FDP



Not to miss quickly  median nerve and ulnar nerve screening.

Reflexes 

Radial and Ulnar artery Pulsation important

Allen's test is important too .


This way all donor muscles are also tested quickly together while testing muscles supplied by radial

nerve so as to finish in time.


Donor tendons for radial nerve palsy are

          Pronator Teres

          PL , FCR , FCU

          FDS , 3rd and 4th finger


















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