Skip to main content

Radial Tunnel Syndrome, Sports Medicine

Katherine M. Pohlgeers, MD, MS, CAQSM Reviewed 04/2019
 


BASICS

DESCRIPTION

  • Intermittent compression of the radial nerve through the radial tunnel is thought to be the pathologic basis for radial tunnel syndrome (RTS).

  • The condition is not associated with ext...

DIAGNOSIS

HISTORY

  • Lateral elbow pain and forearm pain that may radiate distally to the wrist and dorsum of the fingers

  • Aggravated pain at night that may interfere with sleeping 1

  • Typically, do not have p...

TREATMENT

  • Nonoperative approaches are considered first-line treatment 1,4[C]:

    • Immobilization of the wrist with splinting or casting

    • Anti-inflammatory medication

    • Ultrasound massage

    • Radial nerve block 1

    • Ster...

ONGOING CARE

  • Return to activity should be undertaken slowly as symptoms improve.

  • Rehabilitation program should be continued for both nonoperative and postoperative patients.

REFERENCES

1
Moradi A, Ebrahimzadeh MH, Jupiter JB. Radial tunnel syndrome, diagnostic and treatment dilemma. Arch Bone Jt Surg.  2015;3(3):156–162.
2
Kane SF, Lynch JH, Taylor JC. Evaluation of elb...

CLINICAL PEARLS

  • Entrapment of the deep branch of the radial nerve within the radial tunnel

  • Diagnosis is based completely on clinical examination, leading to some skepticism of the actual prevalence.

  • No ...

Subscribe to Access Full Content

Sign Up for a 10-Day Free Trial

Sign up for a 10-day FREE Trial now and receive full access to all content.

×