Which nerve entrapment would most likely present with sensory changes?

• A. Anterior interosseous nerve
• B. Ulnar nerve
• C. Radial nerve
• D. Median nerve

Answer: (D)

The median nerve is the most likely option to present with sensory changes. It is responsible for sensory innervation to specific areas of the hand, including the palmar aspect of the first three fingers and half of the fourth finger. Entrapment of this nerve, such as in carpal tunnel syndrome, often results in symptoms like numbness, tingling, and pain in the areas it supplies, particularly in the thenar eminence and digits.

In comparison, the anterior interosseous nerve is a branch of the median nerve that primarily innervates motor function to some of the flexor muscles in the forearm, and it does not provide sensory innervation. Therefore, entrapment here is more likely to cause motor deficits rather than sensory changes.

The ulnar nerve also has sensory functions, particularly to the ring and little fingers. However, its entrapment is often associated with motor weakness as well, and sensory changes may not be as prominent compared to the median nerve's presentation.

The radial nerve predominantly provides motor function to the wrist extensors and does have some sensory innervation to the posterior aspect of the arm and hand, but it is less frequently associated with primary sensory changes compared to the median nerve.

Overall, the median nerve