CRUTCH PALSY Meaning and
Definition
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Crutch palsy, also known as crutch paralysis or axillary nerve palsy, is a neurological condition that is often associated with the prolonged use of crutches or the application of excessive pressure on the axillary nerve. The axillary nerve is a branch of the brachial plexus, which supplies motor function and sensation to the shoulder joint and the skin over the deltoid muscle.
Crutch palsy typically occurs when excessive pressure is applied to the axillary nerve while using crutches, leading to compression or stretching of the nerve. This can result in pain, weakness, and numbness in the affected shoulder, arm, and hand. Common symptoms include difficulty in lifting the arm overhead, weakness in shoulder abduction, and sensory changes along the outside of the arm. If left untreated, crutch palsy can lead to muscle wasting and significant impairments in shoulder mobility and function.
Treatment for crutch palsy often involves rest, immobilization of the affected arm, and physical therapy or rehabilitation exercises to promote nerve recovery and restore muscle strength and range of motion. Pain medication may also be prescribed to alleviate any associated discomfort. In some cases, surgical intervention may be necessary, especially if conservative treatments fail to provide relief or the condition worsens.
Crutch palsy is a preventable condition, and proper crutch use, along with regular monitoring and adjustment of crutch height, can significantly reduce the risk of nerve damage.
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• Paralysis of the musculospiral nerve due to compression by the fork of a crutch.
• Paralysis of the arm caused by the pressure of the crosspiece of a crutch.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for CRUTCH PALSY
- xrutch palsy
- vrutch palsy
- frutch palsy
- drutch palsy
- ceutch palsy
- cdutch palsy
- cfutch palsy
- ctutch palsy
- c5utch palsy
- c4utch palsy
- crytch palsy
- crhtch palsy
- crjtch palsy
- critch palsy
- cr8tch palsy
- cr7tch palsy
- crurch palsy
- crufch palsy
- crugch palsy
- cruych palsy
Etymology of CRUTCH PALSY
The term "Crutch Palsy" is derived from the combination of two words: "crutch" and "palsy".
The word "crutch" refers to a device that helps support and assist a person in walking, typically used when an individual has an injury or difficulty in their legs or feet. It is derived from the Old English word "crycc" or "cryce", which means "a staff or support".
"Palsy" is a term used to describe a condition of muscle weakness or paralysis, often resulting in a loss of control or sensation in certain parts of the body. It comes from the Old French word "paralisie" and the Latin word "paralyse", both meaning "paralysis".
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