scholarly journals Tension of the Ulnar, Median, and Radial Nerves During Ulnar Nerve Neurodynamic Testing: Observational Cadaveric Study

2015 ◽  
Vol 95 (6) ◽  
pp. 891-900 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicole Manvell ◽  
Joshua J. Manvell ◽  
Suzanne J. Snodgrass ◽  
Susan A. Reid

Background The ulnar nerve upper limb neurodynamic test (ULNT3) uses upper limb positioning to investigate symptoms arising from the ulnar nerve. It is proposed to selectively increase tension of the nerve; however, this property of the test is not well established. Objective The aim of this study was to determine the upper limb position that results in: (1) the greatest tension of the ulnar nerve and (2) the greatest difference in tension between the ulnar nerve and the other 2 major nerves of the upper limb: median and radial. Design This was an observational cadaver study. Methods Tension (in newtons) of the ulnar, median, and radial nerves was measured simultaneously using 3 buckle force transducers in 5 upper limb positions in 10 embalmed human cadavers (N=20 limbs). Repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) with Bonferroni post hoc tests determined differences in tension among nerves and among limb positions. Results The addition of shoulder horizontal abduction (H.Abd; 12.62 N; 95% confidence interval [95% CI]=10.76, 14.47) and combined shoulder abduction and internal rotation (H.Abd+IR; 11.86 N; 95% CI=9.96, 13.77) to ULNT3 (scapular depression, shoulder abduction and external rotation, elbow flexion, forearm pronation, and wrist and finger extension) produced significantly greater ulnar nerve tension compared with the ULNT3 alone (8.71 N; 95% CI=7.25, 10.17). The ULNT3+H.Abd test demonstrated the greatest difference in tension among nerves (mean difference between ulnar and median nerves=11.87 N; 95% CI=9.80, 13.92; mean difference between ulnar and radial nerves=8.47 N; 95% CI=6.41, 10.53). Limitations These results pertain only to the biomechanical plausibility of the ulnar nerve neurodynamic test and do not account for other factors that may affect the clinical application of this test. Conclusions The ULNT3+H.Abd is a biomechanically plausible test for detecting peripheral neuropathic pain related to the ulnar nerve. In situations where the shoulder complex will not tolerate the combination of shoulder external rotation in abduction, performing upper limb neurodynamic tests with internal rotation instead of external rotation is a biomechanically plausible alternative.

1970 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 78-82
Author(s):  
Paulo José Oliveira Cortez ◽  
José Elias Tomazini ◽  
Mauro Gonçalves

Introdução: A diminuição da capacidade de exercer esforços por parte dos músculos rotadores pode criar uma variedade de problemas. O conhecimento preciso do nível de força muscular de um indivíduo é importante, tanto para a avaliação da capacidade funcional ocupacional, como para uma apropriada prescrição de exercícios atléticos e de reabilitação. Percebe-se escassez de informação sobre as articulações do ombro, bem como os fatores envolvidos na força muscular dessa região. O objetivo deste estudo foi comparar a força gerada pelos músculos do manguito rotador entre o membro superior direito e o membro superior esquerdo em indivíduos saudáveis. Métodos: Participaram do estudo 22 sujeitos do sexo masculino, com idade de 18 e 19 anos, militares, saudáveis e sem história clínica de patologia ortopédica ou qualquer tipo de lesão no sistema musculoesquelético. Foram aplicados dois testes de força: Rotação Interna e Rotação Externa. Resultado : A força média de rotação interna no membro superior direito (MSD) foi maior que a força média de rotação interna no membro superior esquerdo (MSE) (p=0,723) e a força de rotação externa no MSD foi menor que a força média de rotação externa no MSE (p=0,788). Não houve diferença estatística na comparação dos valores de força de todos os testes de força isométrica. Conclusão: Para amostra estudada e metodologia utilizada na avaliação da força muscular, não houve diferença estatística na comparação da força gerada pelos músculos do manguito rotador do membro superior direito e do membro superior esquerdo.Rotator Cuff Muscle Strength in Healthy Individuals Introduction: Decreased ability to exert efforts by the rotator muscles can create a variety of problems. The precise knowledge of the level of muscular strength of an individual is important for both the functional capacity evaluation for occupational as an appropriate exercise prescription and rehabilitation of athletic. It is perceived scarcity of information on the shoulder joints as well as factors involved in muscle strength in this region. Objective: Develop a device for measuring the strength generated by the muscles of the upper limbs and the verification of efficiency and adaptability of this device through a comparative study of muscle strength in healthy subjects. Methods: The study included 22 male subjects, aged 18 and 19 years, military personnel, body mass between 57.7 and 93 kg (71.8 ± 9.45 kg) and height between 1.67 and 1.90 m (1.75 ± 0.06 m), healthy and without a history of orthopaedic disease or any kind of damage to the musculoskeletal system. Three strength tests were applied: Internal Rotation and External Rotation. For each type of effort three maximum voluntary contractions were required for 10 seconds, with an interval of 30 seconds between each contraction.  Results: Internal rotation in the right upper limb (RUL) was higher than the average strength of internal rotation in the left upper limb (LUL) (p = 0, 723) and the external rotation strength in RUL was lower than the average strength of external rotation in the LUL (p=0,788).  No statistical difference in comparing the strength values of all isometric strength tests. Conclusion: For sample and methodology used to assess muscle strength, there was no statistical difference in comparing the force generated by the muscles of the rotator cuff of the right and left upper limb.


Neurosurgery ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 70 (2) ◽  
pp. E516-E520 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leandro Pretto Flores

Abstract BACKGROUND AND IMPORTANCE: Restoration of elbow extension has not been considered of much importance regarding functional outcomes in brachial plexus surgery; however, the flexion of the elbow joint is only fully effective if the motion can be stabilized, what can be achieved solely if the triceps brachii is coactivated. To present a novel nerve transfer of a healthy motor fascicle from the ulnar nerve to the nerve of the long head of the triceps to restore the elbow extension function in brachial plexus injuries involving the upper and middle trunks. CLINICAL PRESENTATION: Case 1 is a 32-year-old man sustaining a right brachial extended upper plexus injury in a motorcycle accident 5 months before admission. The computed tomography myelogram demonstrated avulsion of the C5 and C6 roots. Case 2 is a 24-year-old man who sustained a C5-C7 injury to the left brachial plexus in a traffic accident 4 months before admission. Computed tomography myelogram demonstrated signs of C6 and C7 root avulsion. The technique included an incision at the medial border of the biceps, in the proximal third of the involved arm, followed by identification of the ulnar nerve, the radial nerve, and the branch to the long head of the triceps. The proximal stump of a motor fascicle from the ulnar nerve was sutured directly to the distal stump of the nerve of the long head of the triceps. Techniques to restore elbow flexion and shoulder abduction were applied in both cases. Triceps strength Medical Research Council M4 grade was obtained in both cases. CONCLUSION: The attempted nerve transfer was effective for restoration of elbow extension in primary brachial plexus surgery; however, it should be selected only for cases in which other reliable donor nerves were used to restore elbow flexion.


2012 ◽  
Vol 38 (3) ◽  
pp. 237-241 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. A. Bertelli ◽  
M. F. Ghizoni

Stretch injuries of the C5-C7 roots of the brachial plexus traditionally have been associated with palsies of shoulder abduction/external rotation, elbow flexion/extension, and wrist, thumb, and finger extension. Based on current myotome maps we hypothesized that, as far as motion is concerned, palsies involving C5-C6 and C5-C7 root injuries should be similar. In 38 patients with upper-type palsies of the brachial plexus, we examined for correlations between clinical findings and root injury level, as documented by CT tomomyeloscan. Contrary to commonly held beliefs, C5-C7 root injuries were not associated with loss of extension of the elbow, wrist, thumb, or fingers, but residual hand strength was much lower with C5-C7 vs C5-C6 lesions.


2004 ◽  
Vol 101 (5) ◽  
pp. 770-778 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jayme Augusto Bertelli ◽  
Marcos Flávio Ghizoni

Object. The goal of this study was to evaluate outcomes in patients with brachial plexus avulsion injuries who underwent contralateral motor rootlet and ipsilateral nerve transfers to reconstruct shoulder abduction/external rotation and elbow flexion. Methods. Within 6 months after the injury, 24 patients with a mean age of 21 years underwent surgery in which the contralateral C-7 motor rootlet was transferred to the suprascapular nerve by using sural nerve grafts. The biceps motor branch or the musculocutaneous nerve was repaired either by an ulnar nerve fascicular transfer or by transfer of the 11th cranial nerve or the phrenic nerve. The mean recovery in abduction was 90° and 92° in external rotation. In cases of total palsy, only two patients recovered external rotation and in those cases mean external rotation was 70°. Elbow flexion was achieved in all cases. In cases of ulnar nerve transfer, the muscle scores were M5 in one patient, M4 in six patients, and M3+ in five patients. Elbow flexion repair involving the use of the 11th cranial nerve resulted in a score of M3+ in five patients and M4 in two patients. After surgery involving the phrenic nerve, two patients received a score of M3+ and two a score of M4. Results were clearly better in patients with partial lesions and in those who were shorter than 170 cm (p < 0.01). The length of the graft used in motor rootlet transfers affected only the recovery of external rotation. There was no permanent injury at the donor sites. Conclusions. Motor rootlet transfer represents a reliable and potent neurotizer that allows the reconstruction of abduction and external rotation in partial injuries.


2014 ◽  
Vol 2 (11_suppl3) ◽  
pp. 2325967114S0027
Author(s):  
Gulcan Harput ◽  
Hande Guney ◽  
Fatma Filiz Colakoglu ◽  
Gul Baltacı

Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of limb dominance and gender on isometric, eccentric and concentric strength of the shoulder internal and external rotator muscles in adolescent volleyball players. Methods: Forty adolescent volleyball players [Male: 23( Age: 15.5±1.4 yrs, Body weight: 72±10.2 kg, Height: 184.4±7.6 cm, BMI: 20.9±2.6 kg/m2), Female: ( Age: 16.7±0.9 yrs, Body weight: 60.7±8.2 kg, Height: 172.5±5.3 cm, BMI: 20.4±2.3 kg/m2) participated in this study. Isomed 2000 isokinetic dynamometer was used to measure muscle strength testing. Isometric strength testing of shoulder internal and external rotator muscles were performed at 90 ° shoulder abduction and external rotation position. In the same position, concentric and eccentric muscle testing was performed at 90°/s angular velocity. Strength outcomes were recorded as Nm/kg. 2-way repeated measures of ANOVA was used for statistical analysis. Results: Dominance by gender interaction was not found significant for internal rotator (IR) and external rotator (ER) muscles' strength (IR: F(1,72)=2.87, p=0.06, ER: F(1,72)=1.98, p=0.15). There was a significant strength by dominance interaction for internal rotator muscles (F(2,72)=18.52, p<0.001). Isometric strength was greater in dominant limb (p<0.001)while concentric strength was found greater in non-dominant limb(p=0.006). Eccentric strength was found similar for limbs (p=0.18). IR muscles showed greater strength during eccentric (1.03±0.05), concentric (0.76±0.03) and isometric test (0.69±0.03), respectively. On the other hand, external rotators showed greater strength during eccentric (0.49±0.4), isometric (0.40±0.3) and concentric test (0.36±0.3), respectively. There was no significant gender effect on the strength (IR: F(2,72)=0.31, p=0.73, ER: F(2,72)=0.42, p=0.66). Conclusion: The strength of shoulder internal and external rotator muscles do not differ according to gender in adolescent volleyball players. Limb dominance has an effect on the strength of internal rotator muscles while it has no effect on the strength of external rotators. Both muscle groups show greater strength during eccentric testing.


2017 ◽  
Vol 45 (6) ◽  
pp. 1413-1419 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Andrew Skillington ◽  
Robert H. Brophy ◽  
Rick W. Wright ◽  
Matthew V. Smith

Background: The windmill pitching motion has been associated with risk for shoulder injury. Because there are no pitching limits on youth fast-pitch softball pitchers, these athletes often pitch multiple games across consecutive days. Strength changes, fatigue levels, and shoulder pain that develop among female fast-pitch pitchers over the course of consecutive days of pitching have not been investigated. Hypothesis: Over the course of 2- and 3-day fast-pitch softball tournaments, pitchers will develop progressive objective weakness and increased subjective shoulder fatigue and pain without complete recovery between days. Study Design: Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: Fourteen female fast-pitch softball pitchers between the ages of 14 and 18 years were evaluated for strength and fatigue changes across 2- and 3-day tournaments. At the beginning and end of each day of tournament play, pitchers were asked to quantify shoulder fatigue and shoulder pain levels of their dominant throwing arm using a 10-point visual analog scale (VAS). Shoulder abduction, flexion, external rotation, internal rotation, elbow flexion, and elbow extension strength measurements were gathered using a handheld dynamometer. Results: Over the course of an average single day of tournament participation, pitchers developed significant increases in VAS scores for shoulder fatigue (median, 2.0; 95% CI, 1.3-3.0) and pain (median, 1.3; 95% CI, 0.5-2.3) and significant strength loss in all tested motions. Pitchers also developed significant increases in VAS shoulder fatigue (median, 3.5; 95% CI, 1.5-5.5), VAS shoulder pain (median, 2.5; 95% CI, 1.0-4.5), and strength loss in all tested motions over the entire tournament. Shoulder pain, fatigue, and strength do not fully recover between days. The accumulation of subjective shoulder pain and fatigue over the course of tournament play were closely correlated. Conclusion: Among youth female fast-pitch softball pitchers, there is a progressive increase in shoulder fatigue, pain, and weakness over the course of 2- and 3-day tournaments without full recovery between consecutive days of pitching.


1998 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
pp. 285-299 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael E. Powers

This paper reviews the role of the rotator cuff during two key phases of the pitching sequence and presents a training program for these muscles. The program uses a periodization design consisting of three stages, beginning with a high-resistance/low-repetition eccentric strengthening stage. This is followed by a low-resistance/high-repetition stage for training muscular endurance. The core exercises for these two stages are prone external rotation in the 90/90 position, prone horizontal abduction, side-lying D2 flexion pattern, supine internal rotation in the 90/90 position, prone elevation with 100° of shoulder abduction and external rotation, and standing scapular plane elevation. The final stage of the program uses high-speed functional exercises: 90/90 external rotation, 90/90 internal rotation, D2 PNF flexion pattern, D2 PNF extension pattern, supine plyometric 90/90 internal rotation with a medicine ball, and the “arm whip” through the D2 PNF flexion pattern. The goal of this program is to prepare the muscles for the stresses of pitching and prevent shoulder injuries.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jun-hee Kim ◽  
Oh-yun Kwon ◽  
Chung-hwi Yi ◽  
Hye-seon Jeon ◽  
Woo-chol Joseph Choi ◽  
...  

The occurrence of shoulder impingement syndrome (SIS) is associated with the frequent handling and lifting of heavy loads and excessive repetitive work above the shoulder level. Thus, assembly workers have a high prevalence of shoulder injuries, including SIS. The purpose of this study was to investigate differences in shoulder ROM, muscle strength, asymmetry ratio, function, productivity, and depression between workers with and without SIS.Sixty-seven assembly line male workers (35 workers with SIS and 32 workers without SIS) participated in this study. The four shoulder ROMs and the five muscle strengths were measured using a Smart KEMA system. The asymmetry ratios were calculated using the asymmetry ratio formula; shoulder functions were measured using the shoulder pain and disability index (SPADI), disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand (DASH), and visual analogue scale (VAS); and Endicott work productivity scale (EWPS). Severity of depression was measured using the Beck depression inventory (BDI). Independent t-tests were performed for statistical analysis.The SPADI, DASH, and VAS values of workers with SIS were significantly higher than those of workers without SIS. Also, workers with SIS had significantly smaller shoulder internal rotation and shoulder abduction compared to workers without SIS. In addition, workers with SIS exhibited significantly lower SIR muscle strength than workers without SIS. Workers with SIS had significantly higher asymmetry ratios in shoulder internal rotation, shoulder external rotation, and elbow flexion muscle strength than workers without SIS.The SPADI and DASH scores, which indicate shoulder function, were higher, and the intensity of self-aware pain was higher in workers with SIS. Also, workers with SIS exhibited reduced SIR and SAB ROMs; decreased SIR muscle strength. Particularly, the asymmetry ratios of SIR, SER, EF muscle strength are good comparable factors for workers with and without SIS. In addition, the asymmetry ratios of shoulder muscle strengths could provide an important baseline comparison for the workers with SIS.


2021 ◽  
pp. 1-4
Author(s):  
Jamon Couch ◽  
Marc Sayers ◽  
Tania Pizzari

Context: An imbalance between shoulder internal rotation (IR) and external rotation (ER) strength in athletes is proposed to increase the risk of sustaining a shoulder injury. Hand-held (HHD) and externally fixed dynamometry are reliable forms of assessing shoulder IR and ER strength. A new externally fixed device with an attachable fixed upper-limb mold (The ForceFrame) exists; however, its reliability in measuring shoulder strength is yet to be investigated. Objective: To determine the test–retest reliability of the ForceFrame, with and without the fixed upper-limb mold, in the assessment of shoulder IR and ER strength, as compared with HHD. Design: Test–retest reliability study. Setting: Laboratory, clinical. Participants: Twenty-two healthy and active individuals were recruited from the university community and a private physiotherapy practice. Main Outcome Measures: Maximal isometric shoulder IR and ER strength was measured using the ForceFrame and traditional HHD in neutral and at 90° shoulder abduction. Mean (SD) strength measures were calculated. Test–retest reliability was analyzed using intraclass correlation coefficients (3, 1). The SEM and minimal detectable change were calculated. Results: Good to excellent test–retest reliability was found for all shoulder strength tests across Hand-held dynamometry (HHD) and externally fixed dynamometry (EFD) are reliable forms (intraclass correlation coefficients [3, 1] = .854–.916). The minimal detectable changes ranged between 25.61 and 41.84 N across tests. Test–retest reliability was not affected by the dynamometer or testing position. Conclusions: The results from this study indicate that both the ForceFrame and HHD are suitable for measuring shoulder strength in clinical practice. The use of the fixed upper-limb mold with the ForceFrame does not improve reliability.


Author(s):  
Anne Schwarz ◽  
Janne M. Veerbeek ◽  
Jeremia P. O. Held ◽  
Jaap H. Buurke ◽  
Andreas R. Luft

Background: Deficits in interjoint coordination, such as the inability to move out of synergy, are frequent symptoms in stroke subjects with upper limb impairments that hinder them from regaining normal motor function. Kinematic measurements allow a fine-grained assessment of movement pathologies, thereby complementing clinical scales, like the Fugl–Meyer Motor Assessment of the Upper Extremity (FMMA-UE). The study goal was to investigate the effects of the performed task, the tested arm, the dominant affected hand, upper limb function, and age on spatiotemporal parameters of the elbow, shoulder, and trunk. The construct validity of the metrics was examined by relating them with each other, the FMMA-UE, and its arm section.Methods: This is a cross-sectional observational study including chronic stroke patients with mild to moderate upper limb motor impairment. Kinematic measurements were taken using a wearable sensor suit while performing four movements with both upper limbs: (1) isolated shoulder flexion, (2) pointing, (3) reach-to-grasp a glass, and (4) key insertion. The kinematic parameters included the joint ranges of shoulder abduction/adduction, shoulder flexion/extension, and elbow flexion/extension; trunk displacement; shoulder–elbow correlation coefficient; median slope; and curve efficiency. The effects of the task and tested arm on the metrics were investigated using a mixed-model analysis. The validity of metrics compared to clinically measured interjoint coordination (FMMA-UE) was done by correlation analysis.Results: Twenty-six subjects were included in the analysis. The movement task and tested arm showed significant effects (p &lt; 0.05) on all kinematic parameters. Hand dominance resulted in significant effects on shoulder flexion/extension and curve efficiency. The level of upper limb function showed influences on curve efficiency and the factor age on median slope. Relations with the FMMA-UE revealed the strongest and significant correlation for curve efficiency (r = 0.75), followed by shoulder flexion/extension (r = 0.68), elbow flexion/extension (r = 0.53), and shoulder abduction/adduction (r = 0.49). Curve efficiency additionally correlated significantly with the arm subsection, focusing on synergistic control (r = 0.59).Conclusion: The kinematic parameters of the upper limb after stroke were influenced largely by the task. These results underpin the necessity to assess different relevant functional movements close to real-world conditions rather than relying solely on clinical measures.Study Registration: clinicaltrials.gov, identifier NCT03135093 and BASEC-ID 2016-02075.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document