What is the expected outcome of a median nerve injury?

The expected outcome of a median nerve injury includes the inability to oppose the thumb. The median nerve is primarily responsible for innervating the thenar muscles, which are crucial for thumb opposition – a movement that involves bringing the thumb across the palm toward the little finger. This function is essential for grasping and pinching actions. When the median nerve is injured, the motor control of these muscles is impaired, resulting in the characteristic inability to perform thumb opposition.

Additionally, other impairments can occur with a median nerve injury, such as weakness in finger flexion or difficulties with fine motor tasks that involve the index and middle fingers. However, the specific focus on thumb opposition highlights the role of the median nerve in hand function, particularly in its contributions to coordinated movements necessary for daily activities.