ABSTRACT
Hand injuries are common. Young children sustain crush injuries and burns while exploring their environment, and older children are prone to sports injuries. Most injuries are minor but the complexity and density of important structures in the hand make it vulnerable to serious, permanent injury. Hand injuries frequently swell. Swelling causes pain and stiffness. The distribution of the sensory territories of the three major nerves may be quite variable. Damage to these large trunks occurs proximal to the wrist, one need to check this with forearm or wrist wounds, and with fractures such as elbow fractures. The radial nerve supplies the wrist and finger and thumb extensors, which should be able to strongly resist flexion. Small children can be asked to give a 'thumbs up' sign. The median nerve is best assessed by testing opposition. The ulnar nerve operates most of the intrinsic muscles of the hand.
