The radial nerve originates from the posterior cord of the brachial plexus and, at about the level of the elbow, divides into two branches. Throughout its course, the nerve may be subject to various compressive neuropathies. These disorder's symptoms range from motor deficits to pain and weakness. Both conservative and surgical treatment modalities can be administered. The prognosis of compressive radial neuropathy is variable.
Upon deriving its nerve supply from the C5, C6, C7, C8, and T1 levels, the radial nerve spirals about the humerus (Gardner & Bunge, 1984, pp. 23-24). The proximal nerve innervates the brachioradialis, as well as both the flexor carpi radialis longus and brevis, to cause forearm flexor and wrist extension (Sloan, 1993, p. 654). Descending laterally through the spiral groove, the radial nerve penetrates the lateral intermuscular septum, descends behind the brachioradialis and brachialis muscles, and-- at the antecubital space--divides into the posterior interosseous and superficial radial branches (Stroyan & Wilk, 1993, p. 284). Compressive neuropathy refers to nerve injury due to acute or chronic repetitive external pressure. Neuropathy tends to affect the radial nerve less frequently than the median or ulnar nerves. Radial nerve compression has a wide range of presentations. There are five different syndromes associated with radial deficits: three involve the radial nerve itself; whereas two occur in its branches. Near the elbow, compressive neuropathy may result in either posterior interosseus syndrome or radial tunnel syndrome. Proximal compression of the radial nerve, in contrast, results in high radial nerve disease.
Idiopathic radial nerve compression is actually a relatively rare phenomenon. The disorder, however, does tend to occur about twice as often in men than in women. In addition, dominant arms are more likely to be involved than nondominant arms. Radial neuropathy often ...