Department of hand surgery & Microsurgery.

Pronator syndrome

WHAT IS PRONATOR SYNDROME ?

One of the main nerves supplying hand and forearm muscles is the median nerve. In individuals who do repetitive upper extremity , the median nerve may get compressed towards the elbow. Median nerve compression at the level of the elbow is known as pronator syndrome.

SYMPTOMS

You may notice a difference in sensation in the thumb, index and middle fingers along with weakness of thumb.

DIAGNOSIS

This is diagnosed by clinical examination , X ray and electrodiagnostic testing . When only part of the median nerve is involved and causes only weakness ( without causing problems in sensation ) the condition is known as anterior interosseous nerve syndrome.

TREATMENT

Treatment involves activity modification and nerve gliding exercises. Surgery is advised in patients who do not respond to non operative management.