MRCS PART A · APPLIED ANATOMY
Upper-limb nerve injuries
Examine. Localise. Explain what is spared.Examination practice · six fictional patients · progress lasts for this session only
Weak shoulder after reduction
A 49-year-old has persistent weakness after an anterior shoulder dislocation has been reduced. Analgesia has improved pain. The shoulder is now congruent on imaging. Localise the neurological deficit rather than attributing every weak movement to pain.
Which examination will you perform?
Open only the finding you want. Other findings remain hidden; your choices never change the patient.
Palpate deltoid during attempted abduction
Very little voluntary deltoid contraction; active abduction remains weak despite adequate pain relief.
Compare shoulder and forearm sensation
Light touch is reduced over the lateral shoulder patch; lateral forearm sensation is normal.
Test elbow flexion and extension
Biceps and triceps power are preserved.
Check scapular movement and external rotation
No scapular winging. External rotation is mildly weak; other findings support a focal rather than complete plexus lesion.
Sources and scope
Source links checked. Independent anatomy practice, not official MRCS material or a clinical management protocol. Real findings overlap and require clinical assessment.