BRACHIAL PLEXUS INJURY-EXAMINATION

SUMMARY

MOTOR INVOLVEMENT
1. Shoulder abduction (C5): supraspinatus, deltoid.
2. Shoulder flexion (C5): deltoid, pectoralis major, biceps, coracobrachialis.
3. Shoulder external rotation (C5): infraspinatus, teres minor, deltoid.
4. Elbow flexion (C5, 6): biceps, brachialis, brachioradialis.
5. Elbow extension (C7): triceps.
6. Forearm supination (C5): biceps, supinator, brachioradialis.
7. Wrist extension (C6): ECRL, ECRB & ECU.
8. Palmar grip (C8, T1): small muscles of the hand.

SENSORY INVOLVEMENT
Dermatomes affected: skin over shoulder and over thumb.

Reference(s)

Cifu, D.X. (2020). Braddom’s physical medicine and rehabilitation. Elsevier. Get it on Amazon.
Cuccurullo, S. (2019). Physical medicine and rehabilitation board review. New York: Demosmedical. Get it on Amazon.
O’Young, B., Young, M.A. and Stiens, S.A. (2008). Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Secrets. Mosby. Get it on Amazon.