Skip to main content

Laceration — Vascular Function of Upper Extremity — Clinical Pathway: Emergency

Laceration Clinical Pathway — Emergency Department

Vascular Function of Upper Extremity

Pulse
  • Radial, brachial (present, weak, absent)
  • Compare to opposite extremity
Perfusion
  • Capillary refill
  • Color
  • Temperature
If concern for vascular compromise, nerve injury or large muscle involvement, contact Orthopedics.

Motor and Sensory Function Upper Extremity

Nerve Motor Function Sensory Function
Median
  • Wrist flexion, abduction
  • Thumb, index finger
Palmar thumb, index finger
Ulnar
  • Wrist flexion, adduction
  • Finger spread
  • Flexion distal phalanx 5th digit
  • Ulnar side of 4th digit
  • 5th digit
Radial
  • Wrist extension
  • Supination
  • Thumb extension
Dorsal web space between thumb, index finger
Musculocutaneous Elbow flexion Lateral forearm

Additional Tests UE Motor Exam

Radial Nerve

Nerve Intact
Wrist extension
Nerve Injury
Wrist Drop
 Wrist Extension: Radial nerve Wrist Drop (Radial Nerve injury)

Anterior Interosseous Nerve (Branch of Median Nerve)

Nerve Intact
OK sign: Thumb IP joint flexion
Nerve Injury
Not Ok: Thumb IP joint not flexed
OK sign: Thumb IP joint flexion NOT OK: Thumb IPJ not flexed

Posterior Interosseous Nerve (Branch of Radial Nerve)

Nerve Intact
Thumb extension
Thumb extension

Sensory Exam of the Upper Extremity

Sensory exam hand chart

 

Jump back to top