clinical examination
Last reviewed 05/2023
The clinical examination of the radial nerve should comprise tests of:
- motor supply - the radial nerve supplies triceps, brachioradialis, and the extensor muscles of the hand.
If the radial nerve is affected below the upper third of the upper arm then: - brachioradialis and the extensor muscles are affected - the patient will have a wrist drop which can be demonstrated by the patient's inability to extend the wrist when his elbow is flexed and his forearm pronated.
If a lesion is affects the radial nerve above the upper third of the upper arm then: - function of triceps - extension of the elbow - is also affected.
- sensation - injury to the radial nerve at any level will cause loss of sensation over the anatomical snuff box.