Radial Nerve Compression Neuropathy

Human hand is made functional by three nerves ; the radial nerve, median nerve and ulnar nerve. These nerves arise from the spinal cord and travel through the arm and forearm to reach the hand.

Radial nerve is one of the most important nerves supplying the hand. Along the course the nerve can get compressed between structures it passes through. The common areas radial nerves get compressed are the elbow and the wrist. Compression at the elbow is known as posterior interosseous nerve syndrome or radial tunnel syndrome. Compression at the elbow is known as Wartenberg syndrome or cheiralgia paresthetica.

Diagnosis of these conditions are made by assessing the symptoms of the patient and by clinical examination of the hand. Electrodiagnostic studies aid in the confirmation of diagnosis.

Activity modification and nerve gliding exercises are effective in many cases. Those who do not respond , are managed successfully with surgery to decompress the nerve.