aetiology
Last reviewed 05/2023
Characteristic presentations of radial nerve palsy include:
- 'crutch palsy' - due to compression of the nerve above the spiral groove by crutches as the weight is borne in the axilla
- 'saturday night palsy' - due to compression of the nerve in the upper part of the arm as a result of resting the medial side of the arm against a sharp edge such as the back of a chair for a prolonged period. The person is usually intoxicated. It may also be seen after surgery when the anaesthetised patient is allowed to hang over the edge of the operating theatre table.
- humeral fracture
- rarely, dislocation of the elbow