Abstract

Radial neuropathy (or radial mononeuropathy) is a type of mononeuropathy which results from acute trauma to the radial nerve that extends the length of the arm. It is known as transient paresthesia when sensation is temporarily abnormal.

Signs/symptoms

Symptoms (and signs) of radial neuropathy vary depending on the severity of the trauma; however, common symptoms may include wrist drop, numbness (back of the hand and wrist), and inability to voluntarily straighten the fingers. Loss of wrist extension is due to loss of the ability to move of the posterior compartment of forearm muscles.

In the event of lacerations to the wrist area the symptom would therefore be "sensory". Additionally, depending on the type of trauma other nerves may be affected such as the median nerve and axillary nerves.

Mechanism

The mechanism of radial neuropathy is such that it can cause focal demyelination and axonal problems/degeneration (which is nerve fiber reaction to insult, and therefore axon death occurs). These would be caused via laceration or compression of the nerve in question.

Diagnosis

In terms of the diagnosis of radial neuropathy the following tests/exams can be done to ascertain the condition:

Treatment

The treatment and management of radial neuropathy can be achieved via the following methods:

- Physical therapy or occupational therapy

- Surgery(depending on the specific area and extent of damage)

- Splinting

Treatment | Prognosis

In terms of prognosis radial neuropathy is not necessarily permanent, though sometimes there could be partial loss of movement/sensation.Complications may be possible deformity of the hand in some individuals.

If the injury is axonal (the underlying nerve fiber itself is damaged) then full recovery may take months or years ( or could be permanent). EMG and nerve conduction studies are typically performed to diagnose the extent and distribution of the damage, and to help with prognosis for recovery.

Culture and society

There are a number of terms used to describe radial nerve injuries, which are dependent on the causation factor such as:

- "Honeymoon palsy" from another individual sleeping on and compressing one's arm overnight.

- "Saturday night palsy" from falling asleep with one's arm hanging over the arm rest of a chair, compressing the radial nerve.

- "Squash palsy", from traction forces associated with the sport squash, happens to squash players during periods between matches.