Neurological Assessment of the Distal Upper Extremity
Median Nerve
Sensory: innervation is purest on the volar skin of the tip of the index finger
Motor: ask pt. to touch the thumb to the fifth finger (C7-8)
Ulnar Nerve
Sensory: innervation is purest on the volar surface of the tip of the fifth finger
Motor: ask pt. to spread (abduct) the fingers to test for interosseous function (T1)
Radial Nerve
Sensory: innervation is purest in the web space between the thumb and index finger on the dorsal surface
Motor: ask the pt. to extend the thumb, fingers and wrist (C6-7)
