Median Nerve Exam

In patient's with lacerations, sensation is assessed by examining light touch and/or two point discrimination.
The median nerve provides sensation palmarly to the thumb, index, long, and radial half of the ring finger.
The median nerve also provides the dorsal sensation around the fingernail and dorsum of the DIP joint. These areas are innervated by the dorsal branches of the digital nerves which originate from the median nerve.
The median nerve motor function distal to the wrist crease is best assessed by examining the median innervated thenar muscles.

Diagrams & Photos

Assessing median nerve sensation by examining light touch in palmar tip of the long finger.
Motor exam of the median innervated thenar muscles.
Microsurgical repair of lacerated median nerve

Key Points

In Section 9 the palmar cutaneous branch of the median nerve originates from the radial edge of the median nerve approximately 6 cm. proximal to the wrist flexion crease.