For those at the University of Maryland that got the chance to hear my lecture this week, you learned about Cubital tunnel syndrome [ulnar neuropathy], the second most common compressive neuropathy.  Carpal Tunnel syndrome remains the number one compressive neuropathy, and this pearl, for the sake of completeness, will address Radial tunnel syndrome.

Radial Tunnel Syndrome

• Believed to be due to overuse, frequently due to excessive elbow extension or forearm rotation.
• May actually just be an early stage of posterior interosseous nerve syndrome.
• Due to compression of the radial nerve as it passes a fibrous band that is attached to the radiocapitellar joint, and the tendinous origins of two muscles, extersor carpi radialis brevis and the supinator.
• Patients typically have l pain along the anteriolateral forearm.
• Pain is increased by extending the elbow and pronating the forearm.
• This syndrome is associated mostly with pain
• Weakness and numbness are not often seen.

 

Stay tuned for next week for Posterior Interosseous Nerve syndrome.