Radial Nerve Compression Graham Chuter SpR Teaching, RVI April 2007

Radial nerve Largest branch of brachial plexus Roots C5,6,7,8 and T1 Least common nerve to be compressed

Sites of Compression Axilla Mid-humeral Elbow Distal forearm

Axillary Saturday night palsy Honeymooner’s palsy Crutches Preceding pain Transient

Mid-humeral Trauma most common cause fracture penetrating injury Exploration v conservative

Elbow Most common site Radial tunnel syndrome local structures PIN syndrome supinator entrapment level-dependent

Forearm Superficial radial nerve entrapment brachioradialis and ECRL repetitive pronation / supination 50% assoc with De Quervain’s Pain and paraesthesia 1932: Wartenberg’s Syndrome

Summary Revision of anatomy 4 main sites of compression / injury axillary humeral elbow forearm Surgery only after failed conservative Rx

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