Entrapment Syndromes of the Radial Nerve

Abstract

Compressions of the radial nerve are most frequent in the elbow and can cause two syndromes:

• The posterior interosseous nerve syndrome is the compression of the posterior interosseous nerve in the supinator arch. It causes a loss of extension in the wrist and fingers that worsens over time.

• The radial tunnel syndrome is a compression of the radial nerve in the radial tunnel, between the humeroradial joint and the supinator. It causes pain in the epicondyle that can spread to the wrist, without sensitive or motor deficit.

The compressions in the wrist damage the superficial branch of the radial nerve and correspond with a Wartenberg’s syndrome, which has only sensorial symptoms with paresthesias on the sensory territory of the nerve.

Rehabilitation of the entrapment syndromes of the radial nerve without surgery only concerns the early stages of the nerve compression; more advanced stages require surgery. Its goal is to improve the tissue glidings around the nerve and the sensitivity of the damaged areas and to maintain the trophicity of the concerned muscles in advanced cases. Thermoformed resting orthosis can also be useful in this treatment.

After surgery, the keys of rehabilitation will be the fight against perineural fibrosis and regaining mobility, strength, and sensitivity.