Intrinsic Minus
Other Names
- Intrinsic Minus
- Ulnar Claw Hand Deformity
- Main-en-griffe
- Ulnar Claw Hand
- Intrinsic Muscle Paralysis of the hand
- Intrinsic minus deformity
- Claw hand
- Ulnar claw hand
- Ulnar nerve palsy deformity
- Hand clawing
- Ulnar intrinsic muscle paralysis
Purpose
- Physical exam finding seen in patients with chronic ulnar nerve injury
Description
Pathoanatomy
- Characterized by hyperextension of the metacarpophalangeal joints and flexion of the proximal and distal interphalangeal joints[1]
- Most prominently, this affects the 4th and 5th digit
- Occurs due to paralysis of the intrinsic muscles of the hand, specifically the 2 Ulnar Lumbricals, Dorsal Interossei, Palmar Interossei
- All of these mucles are innervated by the ulnar nerve
- Subsequently, the extrinsic muscles (flexors and extensors) remain unopposed, leading to a classic claw hand deformity[2]
- Severity and rapidity of onset depend on location, completeness of nerve lesion
- Can be seen in both "low" and "high" injuries
Functional Impairment
- Loss of grip and pinch strength
- Asynchronous finger motion
- Difficulty with fine motor tasks
Pathology
Evidence
- Not applicable
See Also
References
Created by:
John Kiel on 18 September 2025 00:27:35
Authors:
Last edited:
31 December 2025 14:41:22
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