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Posterior Interosseous Nerve Syndrome, Sports Medicine

Bjorn Allan Jacobson, MD and Richard Okragly, MD Reviewed 04/2019
 


BASICS

DESCRIPTION

  • A peripheral nerve syndrome occurring in the extensor compartment of the forearm secondary to extrinsic compressive or intrinsic inflammatory processes

  • Presenting as a painful spontan...

DIAGNOSIS

HISTORY

  • Identifiable risk factor related to overuse usually present

  • Progressive weakness of thumb, fingers, and wrist extension

  • Pain in the forearm/wrist dependent on site of PIN pathology

  • No se...

TREATMENT

  • Guided by etiology

  • Conservative management almost always first line:

    • Rest/activity modification/physical therapy

    • Anti-inflammatory medication

    • Immobilization

  • Emergency department (ED) treatment:

    • Im...

ONGOING CARE

FOLLOW-UP RECOMMENDATIONS

Follow-up and physical therapy postoperatively to prevent contractures and stiffness 

PROGNOSIS

Prognosis for full recovery is generally good with mean duration of ...

REFERENCES

1
Sigamoney KV, Rashid A, Ng CY, et al. Management of atraumatic posterior interosseous nerve palsy. J Hand Surg Am.  2017;42(10):826–830.
2
Kim Y, Ha DH, Lee SM. Ultrasonographic finding...

ADDITIONAL READING

Wheeless CRIII. Posterior interosseous nerve compression syndrome. Wheeless’ Textbook of Orthopaedics. www.wheelessonline.com. Updated January 21, 2013. Accessed September 24, 2018....

CLINICAL PEARLS

  • History of repetitive forearm pronation/supination with key exam findings of forearm pain, extensor weakness, and normal sensation

  • Good prognosis with activity modification and conserva...

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