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Longitudinal sliding of the median nerve in patients with non-specific arm pain

journal contribution
posted on 2023-06-08, 12:42 authored by Andrew DilleyAndrew Dilley, S Odeyinde, J Greening, B Lynn
In patients with non-specific arm pain (NSAP; also known as repetitive strain injury), there are clinical signs of altered median nerve sliding. It is possible that a restriction along the nerve course will lead to abnormal increases in local strain during limb movements, possibly contributing to symptoms. The present study uses ultrasound imaging to examine median nerve sliding through the proximal and distal nerve segments in 18 NSAP patients. Longitudinal nerve sliding was measured during metacarpophalangeal, wrist and elbow movements. During elbow movements, the angle of elbow extension at which the nerve begins to move was determined, since this was expected to decrease with a restriction through the shoulder. The results from this study were compared with previously reported data. Nerve movements ranged from 1.26 to 4.73mm in patients compared with 1.43–5.57mm in controls. There was no significant difference in nerve sliding (p>0.05) or in the angle of elbow extension at which the nerve began to move (mean=53.4° in patients, 52.0° in controls; p>0.05). In summary, restriction of median nerve sliding is unlikely to play a major role in NSAP. Therefore, painful responses during limb movements which tension the nerve are unlikely to result from abnormal increases in nerve strain.

History

Publication status

  • Published

Journal

Manual Therapy

ISSN

1532-2769

Publisher

Elsevier

Issue

6

Volume

13

Page range

536-543

Department affiliated with

  • Clinical and Experimental Medicine Publications

Full text available

  • No

Peer reviewed?

  • Yes

Legacy Posted Date

2012-11-07

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