follows strenuous physical activity. The most obvious cause for the disorder, therefore, is athletic overuse (Andrews & Whiteside, 1993, p. 292). Such activities may include throwing, batting, and gymnastic ringwork (Howse, 1994, p. 164). Moreover, direct trauma may also lead to compression palsy. Radial nerve injury may be caused by improper use of axillary crutches, deep intramuscular injections, and tourniquet compression. Finally, Saturday night palsy is an acute condition sometimes experienced by intoxicated people (Ochoa, 1980, p. 37). It generally occurs when they sleep for several hours with an arm draped, for example, over a chair edge. The compression can adversely affect nerve function (Posner, 1990, p.355).
Various factors may predispose a patient to radial nerve compressive neuropathy. Besides being male and physically active, recurrent positioning in specific posture may make a person vulnerable to the disorder. Additionally, patients may be predisposed by a lean body type (Levin, 1993, p. 181). Even normal anatomy may increase the chances for developing this disorder. As it winds from the medial to the lateral side of the distal humerus, the proximal radial nerve is rather exposed. Thus, within this area, the nerve may be vulnerable to blunt trauma or, possibly, acute traction or torsion injury resulting from humeral fracture (Eaton & Lister, 1992, p. 353).
In addition to anatomic position, various other anatomic and physiolog
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