Evaluation of pediatric upper extremity peripheral nerve injuries

IntroductionThe evaluation of motor and sensory function of the upper extremity after a peripheral nerve injury is critical to diagnose the location and extent of nerve injury as well as document functional recovery in children.PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to describe an approach to the evaluation of the pediatric upper extremity peripheral nerve injuries through a critical review of currently used tests of sensory and motor function.MethodsOutcome studies on pediatric upper extremity peripheral nerve injuries in the Medline database were reviewed.ResultsThe evaluation of the outcome in children less than 10 years of age with an upper extremity peripheral nerve injury includes careful observation of preferred prehension patterns, examination of muscle atrophy and sudomotor function, provocative tests, manual muscle testing and tests of sensory threshold and tactile gnosis.ConclusionThe evaluation of outcome in children with upper extremity peripheral nerve injuries warrants a unique approach.