- C6-7 Disc Herniation:
- intervertebral disk herniation between 6th & 7th cervical vertebrae would affect 7th cervical nerve root;
- impingement on root at this level would most likely cause sensory changes down the posterior aspect of the arm, posterolateral
aspect of forearm, about dorsum of hand, and long finger;
- this is assoc w/ weakness of wrist flexors, triceps, & pronators;
- C7 Cord Lesion: (care of the spine injured patient)
- w/ C7 level spinal lesion, only functioning foream & wrist muscles are BR, ECRB / ECRL , and FCR ;
- consider transfer of FCR to thumb for opposition;
- splints for C-7 escape:
- proximal stability present;
- loss of grasp;
- wrist extensor present (power source)
- use wrist driven flexion hinge;
- persons may use their own natural tenodesis;
- prehension pinch is required for activities of daily living, such as personal hygiene and dressing;
- wrist driven prehension wrist hand orthosis powered by wrist extensor muscles gives a pt with a C7 functional level a functional pinch