Which brachial plexus injury involves C8-T1 and is characterized by decreased wrist and hand function?

The brachial plexus injury characterized by involvement of the C8 to T1 nerve roots, leading to decreased wrist and hand function, is known as Klumpke's Palsy. This type of injury typically results from excessive lateral traction on the arm during delivery in infants or from trauma in adults. The primary impairment associated with Klumpke's Palsy is the weakness or paralysis of the intrinsic muscles of the hand and forearm, causing significant functional limitations such as difficulty with gripping and fine motor skills.

This condition specifically affects the ulnar and median nerves, which are responsible for the motor control and sensory function within the hand. As a result, individuals may present with a characteristic "claw hand" deformity due to the imbalance created by the muscle weakness. In contrast, other conditions like Erb's Palsy primarily involve the upper roots of the brachial plexus (C5-C7) and typically affect shoulder and arm function rather than the hand.

Median and radial nerve injuries pertain to more localized damage and different functional deficits, but Klumpke's Palsy distinctly influences the lower roots of the brachial plexus, underscoring the specific nature of wrist and hand function impairment associated with this injury.