Assh: Reconstructive Options For Peripheral Nerve Injuries

Explanation
The ability of the patient to partially oppose the thumb despite a complete median nerve injury suggests that the flexor pollicis brevis (FPB) muscle is still functioning. The FPB muscle is innervated by the median nerve, so if the patient is able to partially oppose the thumb, it indicates that the motor function of the median nerve is still intact in this muscle. This finding helps confirm the diagnosis of a complete median nerve injury.

Explanation
Based on the symptoms described, it is likely that the patient has a injury to his ulnar nerve at the distal arm. The wasting of intrinsic muscles, difficulty adducting digits, numbness of the small finger, and minimal clawing are all consistent with ulnar nerve dysfunction. The distal arm is the most likely location of the injury as it is the area where the ulnar nerve travels before branching into the hand. The other options (distal ulnar tunnel, distal forearm, mid forearm) are less likely as they are not consistent with the specific symptoms described.

Explanation
The factor that is most closely linked to the patient's recovery is his age. Younger patients generally have a better prognosis for nerve recovery compared to older patients. Age can affect the regenerative capacity of nerves and the overall healing process. Therefore, in this case, the patient's age of 18 years suggests a better chance for recovery of the transected radial nerve.