Table 1.
Grasping, pinch and wrist and elbow extension strength in the different group of palsies.
| Type of palsy | Grasping (Kg) | Pinch (Kg) | Wrist extension (Kg) | Elbow extension (Kg) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| C5-C6 | 26.3(95% CI, 22.9-29.7) | 8 (95% CI, 7.1-8.8) | 7.1(95% CI, 6.1-8.1) | 7.8 (95% CI, 6-9.5) |
| C5-C7 | 14.7(95% CI, 8.7-20.7) | 6(95% CI, 4.8-7.1) | 5.6 (95% CI, 5.1-6.2) | 4.8(95% CI, 4.2-5.4) |
| C5-C8 | 13(95% CI 9.7-16.3) | 4(95% CI 2.8-5.3) | paralyzed or extremely weak | paralyzed |
| C5-T1 (postfixed) | extremely weak | extremely weak | paralyzed or extremely weak | paralyzed |
| Normal | 38(95% CI, 36.6-39.4 | 10.1(95% CI, 9.2-10.9) | 13(95% CI, 11.4-14.5) | 11.8 (95% CI, 10.4-13.2) |
Strength with grasping, pinching and wrist and elbow extension in the different palsy groups and in the normal contralateral limb - In all groups, strength was significantly decreased relative to the normal side (p < 0.005). Grasp strengths were 70%, 40% and 36% that of the normal limb in those with C5-C6, C5-C7 and C5-C8 injuries, respectively. All inter-group differences were statistically significant; however, only the difference between the C5-C6 and C5-C7 groups can be considered clinically relevant. Pinch strengths were 80%, 60% and 40% of normal with C5-C6, C5-C7 and C5-C8 lesions, respectively; these differences all were significant, both statistically (p < 0.05) and clinically. Wrist extension strengths were 55%, 43% and 0% in the C5-C6, C5-C7 and C5-C8 palsy groups, respectively; and corresponding elbow extension strengths were 66%, 41% and 0%. These differences in wrist and elbow extension strength all were statistically significant (p < 0.05).