RADIAL NERVE ENTRAPMENT

The radial nerve is frequently more involved in entrapment syndromes t han the ulnar and median nerves. Common sites of compression are the j uncture of the middle and distal third of the arm (especially with fra ctures of the humerus), pst distal to the elbow (radial tunnel), and p roximal to the wrist between the brachioradialis and extensor carpi ra dialis longus. Often in entrapment syndromes involving the radial nerv e, the true diagnosis is not evident and is arrived at only by exclusi on, which sometimes delays initiation of effective treatment. Radial t unnel syndrome is rare, but decompression when indicated, can provide relief. Radial sensory nerve entrapment in the forearm (distal third) does occur, but patients often respond to temporary thumb spica splint ing.