What does Klumpke's palsy typically result in?

• A. Weakness of the upper arm
• B. Claw hand deformity
• C. Loss of sensation in the shoulder
• D. Droopy shoulder posture

Answer: (B)

Klumpke's palsy is a specific type of upper brachial plexus injury that typically affects the lower roots of the plexus (C8 and T1). This condition can result in a characteristic claw hand deformity due to the paralysis of the intrinsic muscles of the hand. These intrinsic muscles, which are responsible for fine motor skills and hand opening and closing, are innervated by the ulnar and median nerves, which are affected in this type of nerve injury. Consequently, the individual may exhibit a hand position where the fingers are extended at the metacarpophalangeal joints and flexed at the interphalangeal joints, resembling a claw.

Other options like weakness of the upper arm, loss of sensation in the shoulder, and droopy shoulder posture are not typical outcomes of Klumpke's palsy. Weakness in the upper arm is more associated with other types of brachial plexus injuries (like Erb's palsy), while loss of sensation in shoulder areas and droopy shoulder posture could be related to different nerve involvement. In the case of Klumpke's, the distinguishing feature is indeed the claw hand deformity.