Anterior interosseous nerve syndrome

Abstract

The anterior interosseous nerve syndrome is a partial motor paralysis of the median nerve. Despite being well protected in the deep forearm, the nerve may be subject to traction and pressure phenomena occurring spontaneously or related to trauma. Forearm pain, fracture of an upper extremity, or the characteristic disturbance of pinch should alert the examiner to the possibility of a lesion of the anterior interosseous nerve. Function may be regained in some instances with conservative management. It is probably unwise to delay surgical exploration beyond eight to 12 weeks if the patient has shown no clinical or electromyographic signs of recovery. The prognosis for full return of function is good after surgical correction of the underlying problem.