Peripheral Nerve and Hand Examination

The hand is a complex organ composed of skin, subcutaneous tissue, neurovascular elements and musculoskeletal elements i.e. bones, joints, muscles and tendons. Those elements work in an integrated manner so that any lesion affecting one of them may have detrimental effects on hand function if left untreated. Thus assessment of the hand is never complete unless all these elements have been examined. Nerve lesions of surgical importance include nerve injuries, compression and tumours. Both sensory and motor functions should be evaluated. moreover, special and provocative tests are important for accurate diagnosis and follow up.