College

What hand deformity presents with the inability to oppose or flex the thumb?

A. Swan-neck deformity
B. Boutonniere deformity
C. Trigger finger
D. Stenosing tenosynovitis

Answer :

Final answer:

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is the thumb deformity presenting with the inability to oppose or flex the thumb, caused by compression of the median nerve in the wrist. Options such as Swan-neck deformity, Boutonniere deformity, Trigger finger, and Stenosing tenosynovitis do not match the symptoms described in the question.

Explanation:

The thumb deformity that presents with the inability to oppose or flex the thumb is indicative of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS). CTS is a condition where the median nerve becomes compressed at the wrist, primarily due to inflammation within the carpal tunnel – a narrow passageway in the wrist formed by carpal bones and the flexor retinaculum. This nerve compression results in pain, numbness, and muscle weakness in the hand. Thumb opposition is a specific movement involving the thumb that allows it to touch the tips of the other fingers, made possible by the thumb's saddle joint which allows flexion and abduction. It is essential for grasping and holding objects.

For the provided options – A. Swan-neck deformity, B. Boutonniere deformity, C. Trigger finger, and D. Stenosing tenosynovitis – none are associated with the inability to oppose or flex the thumb as seen in CTS. Options A and B relate to finger deformities, and C and D involve tendon issues in the fingers.

Furthermore, concerning the origin of the wrist flexors, they originate from the medial epicondyle of the humerus, not from the lateral epicondyle, carpal bones, or deltoid tuberosity.