Thumb Radial Digital Nerve Exam

  • Sensation is usually tested with light touch or two point discrimination.
  • Always test sensation with the patient's eyes closed.
  • Always compare the sensation in the area of injury to an uninjured area or to the opposite side.
Diagrams & Photos
  • Testing sensation (light touch) on the radial aspect of the palmar thumb.
    Testing sensation (light touch) on the radial aspect of the palmar thumb.
  • Nerves of the thumb. Note the ulnar digital nerve (UDN), radial digital nerve (RDN), dorsal radial sensory nerve, motor branch of median nerve , palmar cutaneous branch of median Nerve, median nerve (MN), and transverse carpal ligament.
    Nerves of the thumb. Note the ulnar digital nerve (UDN), radial digital nerve (RDN), dorsal radial sensory nerve, motor branch of median nerve , palmar cutaneous branch of median Nerve, median nerve (MN), and transverse carpal ligament.
  • Anterior (palmar or volar) Sensation by Nerve: 1 = median nerve; 2 = dorsal radial sensory nerve; 3 = ulnar nerve; 4 = lateral antebrachial cutaneous nerve; 5 = medial antebrachial cutaneous nerve; 6 = radial dorsal antebrachial cutaneous nerve; 7 = medial brachial cutaneous nerve; 8 = intercostobrachial nerve; 9 = axillary nerve (superior lateral brachial cutaneous nerve.
    Anterior (palmar or volar) Sensation by Nerve: 1 = median nerve; 2 = dorsal radial sensory nerve; 3 = ulnar nerve; 4 = lateral antebrachial cutaneous nerve; 5 = medial antebrachial cutaneous nerve; 6 = radial dorsal antebrachial cutaneous nerve; 7 = medial brachial cutaneous nerve; 8 = intercostobrachial nerve; 9 = axillary nerve (superior lateral brachial cutaneous nerve.
  • Motor, sensory and triceps reflex exam for C6 Root
    Motor, sensory and triceps reflex exam for C6 Root
Key Points
  • Sensory testing in children can be difficult.
Grading of Muscle Strength
Exam References
Anatomic Abbreviations
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