A patient with a significant elbow injury is experiencing weakness and paresthesia. What is a probable diagnosis?

• A. Arthritis
• B. Peripheral nerve injury
• C. Rotator cuff injury
• D. Fractured humerus

Answer: (B)

The diagnosis of a peripheral nerve injury is supported by the symptoms of weakness and paresthesia experienced by the patient with a significant elbow injury. The elbow region is anatomically associated with several important peripheral nerves, such as the ulnar, radial, and median nerves. Injuries to these nerves can lead to specific patterns of sensory deficits (paresthesia) and motor weakness in the areas they innervate.

In this case, weakness can occur due to motor nerve dysfunction, while paresthesia indicates a disruption in sensory nerve function. Such symptoms align with common presentations seen in cases of nerve compression or direct injury, particularly in a traumatic setting involving significant elbow damage.

While arthritis involves joint inflammation that could cause pain and stiffness, it would typically not present with acute weakness and paresthesia related to a specific injury. A rotator cuff injury, while associated with shoulder pain and potential weakness, primarily affects the shoulder rather than the elbow and would not directly cause the mentioned sensory and motor deficits in the context of an elbow injury. A fractured humerus could also cause weakness, but the patter of paresthesia suggests a direct involvement of a nerve rather than just bony injury alone.

Thus, considering the relationship between the symptoms and the probable sources