Summary of Full Brachial Plexus Examination

Summary of "Full Brachial Plexus Examination"

The video presents a comprehensive examination of the Brachial Plexus, focusing on assessing the active and passive range of motion, strength testing, and nerve function of the upper extremity. The examination is conducted by Dr. Nick Pulus, a hand and microvascular surgeon at the Mayo Clinic, highlighting the importance of evaluating both the range of motion and strength to understand the function of the Brachial Plexus and associated muscles.

Methodology and Instructions:

1. Active and Passive Range of Motion:
   • Assess active range of motion (ROM) by having the patient perform various movements (e.g., shoulder flexion, abduction, external rotation).
   • Confirm passive ROM by assisting the patient to ensure both active and passive ROM are equal.
2. Shoulder Strength Testing:
   • Trapezius: Ask the patient to shrug their shoulders while applying pressure.
   • Rhomboids: Have the patient bring shoulder blades together while checking for symmetry.
   • Serratus Anterior: Test for winging by having the patient push against resistance with the arm extended.
   • Latissimus Dorsi: Assess strength by having the patient pull their arm into their side against resistance.
   • Rotator Cuff: Test strength of the Rotator Cuff muscles by having the patient push against resistance with elbows at their side.
3. Elbow and Forearm Strength Testing:
   • Assess elbow flexion and extension strength by having the patient bend and straighten their elbow against resistance.
   • Test pronation and supination strength by having the patient turn their palm up and down against resistance.
4. Wrist and Hand Strength Testing:
   • Assess wrist flexors and extensors by having the patient bend their wrist towards the forearm and extend it against resistance.
   • Test finger flexion strength by having the patient bend their fingers against resistance for both the flexor digitorum superficialis and profundus.
   • Assess intrinsic hand muscles by checking the ability to pinch, spread fingers, and perform other movements against resistance.
5. Nerve Function Assessment:
   • Test median nerve function by assessing the strength of the Flexor Pollicis Longus and the intrinsic hand muscles.
   • Evaluate radial nerve function by checking wrist and finger extension strength.
   • Assess Ulnar Nerve function by testing the strength of the flexor carpi ulnaris and the hand intrinsics.

Speakers:

• Dr. Nick Pulus, Hand and Microvascular Surgeon at the Mayo Clinic.

Notable Quotes

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Category

Educational

Video