radial tunnel syndrome
Last reviewed 05/2023
- condition presents with similar lateral elbow pain to lateral epicondylitis;
however the site of maximal pain lies 4 finger breadths distal to the common
extensor origin
- condition is caused by entrapment of the posterior interosseus nerve within
the radial tunnel
- posterior interosseus nerve is a branch of the radial nerve. It is a pure motor nerve with no sensory component, hence - unlike other entrapment neuropathies - there is no pins and needles or sensory deficit
- there may be weakness of digital extensors
Investigation
- radial tunnel syndrome is a clinical diagnosis and should be considered in patients presenting with resistant lateral epicondylitis
- nerve conduction and electromyography studies have high specificity but low sensitivity
Management
- involves avoidance of aggravating factors and physiotherapy
- resistant cases should be referred for surgical decompression of the radial tunnel
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