From the Guidelines
The ulnar nerve is responsible for digit hand adduction, specifically the adduction of the fingers (digits). This nerve innervates the palmar and dorsal interossei muscles, which are the primary muscles that perform adduction of the fingers (bringing the fingers together) 1. The ulnar nerve also innervates the adductor pollicis muscle, which adducts the thumb toward the palm. Damage to the ulnar nerve can result in weakness or inability to adduct the fingers, a condition sometimes called "ulnar claw hand" in severe cases.
The ulnar nerve's function is crucial for diagnosing hand weakness patterns and localizing nerve injuries in the upper extremity. It originates from the C8-T1 nerve roots, travels through the medial aspect of the arm, passes behind the medial epicondyle at the elbow (the "funny bone"), and continues into the hand where it provides motor innervation to these intrinsic hand muscles. The evidence from the study published in 2020 1 supports the importance of the ulnar nerve in hand adduction, as it discusses the use of the adductor pollicis muscle in monitoring neuromuscular blockade reversal.
Key points to consider:
- The ulnar nerve is responsible for innervating the muscles involved in digit hand adduction
- Damage to the ulnar nerve can result in weakness or inability to adduct the fingers
- The ulnar nerve originates from the C8-T1 nerve roots and travels through the medial aspect of the arm
- The evidence from the study published in 2020 1 supports the importance of the ulnar nerve in hand adduction.
It is essential to prioritize the function of the ulnar nerve in clinical practice, as it plays a critical role in hand movement and overall quality of life. The study published in 2020 1 provides the most recent and highest-quality evidence on this topic, and its findings should be considered in clinical decision-making.
From the Research
Nerve Responsible for Digit Hand Adduction
The nerve responsible for digit hand adduction, specifically the adduction of the fingers (digits), is the ulnar nerve. This nerve innervates the interosseous muscles, which are responsible for finger adduction 2, 3, 4.
Key Findings
- The ulnar nerve motor study to the first dorsal interosseous muscle is a reliable method for assessing ulnar nerve function 2.
- The interosseous muscles, innervated by the ulnar nerve, play a crucial role in finger balance, grip, and pinch function 4.
- The lumbrical-interosseous motor studies can localize ulnar neuropathy at the wrist 5.
- The branches of the deep branch of the ulnar nerve exhibit a 4-group distribution pattern, which is important for understanding the innervation of the lumbricals and interossei muscles 3.