Oppen Heimer is indicated for which nerve injury?

Oppen Heimer is indicated for which nerve injury?

• A. Radial nerve injury
• B. Ulnar nerve injury
• C. Median nerve injury
• D. Sciatic nerve injury

Answer: (A)

The test focuses on a nerve-specific motor deficit—here, the ability to extend the wrist and fingers, which is controlled by the radial nerve. When the radial nerve is injured, the extensors of the forearm and hand are weakened or paralyzed, leading to visible weakness in wrist and finger extension and a characteristic posture (wrist drop). A positive or abnormal result on this sign points toward radial nerve involvement, distinguishing it from injuries to the ulnar or median nerves (which affect the intrinsic hand muscles and thumb opposition, respectively) or from issues with the sciatic nerve.

The test focuses on a nerve-specific motor deficit—here, the ability to extend the wrist and fingers, which is controlled by the radial nerve. When the radial nerve is injured, the extensors of the forearm and hand are weakened or paralyzed, leading to visible weakness in wrist and finger extension and a characteristic posture (wrist drop). A positive or abnormal result on this sign points toward radial nerve involvement, distinguishing it from injuries to the ulnar or median nerves (which affect the intrinsic hand muscles and thumb opposition, respectively) or from issues with the sciatic nerve.