Podcast
Questions and Answers
The term 'Hand of Benediction' is most accurately used to describe which condition?
The term 'Hand of Benediction' is most accurately used to describe which condition?
- Distal radial neuropathy
- Distal ulnar neuropathy
- Combined median and ulnar neuropathy
- Proximal median neuropathy (correct)
In the traditional description of 'Hand of Benediction', what posture do the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joints of the 2nd and 3rd digits assume?
In the traditional description of 'Hand of Benediction', what posture do the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joints of the 2nd and 3rd digits assume?
- Neutral due to balanced muscle action
- Partially flexed due to flexor digitorum superficialis
- Hyperextended due to unopposed extensor digitorum (correct)
- Flexed due to lumbrical action
According to the traditional understanding of 'Hand of Benediction', which movement is compromised at the interphalangeal (IP) joints of the 2nd and 3rd digits?
According to the traditional understanding of 'Hand of Benediction', which movement is compromised at the interphalangeal (IP) joints of the 2nd and 3rd digits?
- Flexion, due to loss of flexor digitorum profundus function (correct)
- Extension, due to extensor digitorum palsy
- Abduction, due to interossei weakness
- Adduction, due to lumbrical paralysis
The hyperextension at the MCP joints in the traditional 'Hand of Benediction' is primarily attributed to the unopposed action of which muscle?
The hyperextension at the MCP joints in the traditional 'Hand of Benediction' is primarily attributed to the unopposed action of which muscle?
Loss of function of which muscle group primarily contributes to the inability to flex the IP joints of the 2nd and 3rd digits in the traditional description of 'Hand of Benediction'?
Loss of function of which muscle group primarily contributes to the inability to flex the IP joints of the 2nd and 3rd digits in the traditional description of 'Hand of Benediction'?
Flashcards
Hand of Benediction
Hand of Benediction
A posture resulting from median nerve palsy where the 2nd and 3rd digits remain hyperextended.
MCP joints hyperextension
MCP joints hyperextension
Hyperextension of the metacarpophalangeal joints in the 2nd and 3rd digits due to unopposed extensor action.
Loss of function of lumbricals
Loss of function of lumbricals
Inability of the lateral lumbrical muscles to flex the MCP joints due to median nerve damage.
Loss of function of flexor digitorum profundus
Loss of function of flexor digitorum profundus
Signup and view all the flashcards
Proximal median neuropathy
Proximal median neuropathy
Signup and view all the flashcards
Study Notes
Median Nerve Palsy - "Hand of Benediction"
- "Hand of Benediction" is often misused. It precisely describes a proximal median neuropathy, but can also be used to describe ulnar clawing.
Traditional Description
- Typically, the "hand of benediction" presentation features hyperextension of the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joints of the second and third digits.
- This hyperextension results from the unopposed action of the extensor digitorum muscles.
- Loss of function in the two lateral lumbricals, which normally flex the MCP joints, contributes to the hyperextension.
- The interphalangeal (IP) joints of the second and third digits are inflexible due to the loss of function of the lateral half of the flexor digitorum profundus.
Recent Studies
- Recent studies have challenged aspects of this traditional description.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
