Unusual compression neuropathies of the forearm, part I: radial nerve

Abstract

Peripheral compression neuropathies are familiar to the hand surgeon. Although compression neuropathies of the forearm are far less common than those of the wrist (namely, carpal tunnel syndrome), for the patient suffering from one of these neuropathies, a missed diagnosis has far-reaching consequences. In this 2-part review (I: Radial Nerve; II: Median Nerve), several compression neuropathies of the forearm are examined. We will first discuss compression neuropathies affecting the radial nerve: (1) posterior interosseous nerve syndrome, (2) radial tunnel syndrome, and (3) superficial radial nerve compression (Wartenberg's syndrome).