What presentation is expected with a traction injury to the anterior division of the brachial plexus?

Prepare for the Orthotics and Prosthetics Combined Written Boards Exam. Enhance your understanding with multiple choice questions and detailed explanations to succeed in your certification.

In the case of a traction injury to the anterior division of the brachial plexus, the presentation that would be expected involves weakness in the muscles primarily innervated by the affected nerves. The anterior division is responsible for innervating the flexor muscles of the arm and hand, primarily affecting the musculocutaneous and the median nerve functionalities.

As a result, weakness in the thumb abductors, which are innervated by the median nerve, and elbow flexors, primarily innervated by the musculocutaneous nerve, is a clear manifestation of this type of injury. The thumb abductors control the abduction of the thumb, which is crucial for grasping and pinching activities, both essential for functional hand use. Additionally, elbow flexion is critical for many daily activities, including lifting and carrying.

Other choices involve muscles that are innervated by different divisions of the brachial plexus or do not solely rely on the anterior division. Thus, the choice highlighting weakness in the thumb abductors and elbow flexors accurately represents the expected clinical presentation associated with traction injuries to the anterior division of the brachial plexus.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy