What is a common physical manifestation of Klumpke's palsy?

What is a common physical manifestation of Klumpke's palsy?

• A. Wrist drop
• B. Claw hand
• C. Hand of benediction
• D. Waiter's tip hand

Answer: (B)

Klumpke's palsy primarily affects the lower trunk of the brachial plexus, specifically impacting the ulnar and median nerves, which leads to characteristic weakness or paralysis of the intrinsic muscles of the hand. A common physical manifestation of this condition is the claw hand deformity. This occurs due to the paralysis of the muscles that normally flex the metacarpophalangeal joints while maintaining the extension of the proximal and distal interphalangeal joints. The result is an abnormal positioning of the fingers, resembling a claw. In contrast, other options depict different conditions that involve other components of the brachial plexus. Wrist drop, for instance, is associated with radial nerve palsy, and presents with the inability to extend the wrist and fingers. The hand of benediction is seen in median nerve injury, where there is an inability to flex the index and middle fingers upon making a fist. Lastly, the waiter's tip hand is indicative of an upper trunk brachial plexus injury (C5-C6), resulting in an extended elbow position and a wrist in a position of flexion. Understanding these differences is essential for accurately diagnosing and identifying Klumpke’s palsy in clinical practice, enabling appropriate management and therapeutic

Klumpke's palsy primarily affects the lower trunk of the brachial plexus, specifically impacting the ulnar and median nerves, which leads to characteristic weakness or paralysis of the intrinsic muscles of the hand. A common physical manifestation of this condition is the claw hand deformity. This occurs due to the paralysis of the muscles that normally flex the metacarpophalangeal joints while maintaining the extension of the proximal and distal interphalangeal joints. The result is an abnormal positioning of the fingers, resembling a claw.

In contrast, other options depict different conditions that involve other components of the brachial plexus. Wrist drop, for instance, is associated with radial nerve palsy, and presents with the inability to extend the wrist and fingers. The hand of benediction is seen in median nerve injury, where there is an inability to flex the index and middle fingers upon making a fist. Lastly, the waiter's tip hand is indicative of an upper trunk brachial plexus injury (C5-C6), resulting in an extended elbow position and a wrist in a position of flexion.

Understanding these differences is essential for accurately diagnosing and identifying Klumpke’s palsy in clinical practice, enabling appropriate management and therapeutic