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Superficial Radial Nerve (Wartenberg Disease), Sports Medicine

Timothy Ryan Draper, DO, ABFM, CAQSM and Karl B. Fields, MD, CAQ Reviewed 04/2019
 


BASICS

DESCRIPTION

  • Compression mononeuropathy of the superficial branch of radial nerve in the distal forearm

  • Radial nerve, arises from C5–C8, provides motor function to the extensors of the forearm, wr...

DIAGNOSIS

HISTORY

  • Determine whether pain or sensory deficit is the primary symptom. If pain is the main complaint, then de Quervain syndrome seems a more likely diagnosis 1[C].

  • Duration of symptoms

  • Locat...

TREATMENT

GENERAL MEASURES

  • Almost all patients do well with conservative treatment.

  • Remove constricting bands/devices.

  • Avoid repetitive trauma to the area. Consider padding the area if unable to avoid tr...

REFERENCES

1
Dang AC, Rodner CM. Unusual compression neuropathies of the forearm, part I: radial nerve. J Hand Surg.  2009;34(10):1906–1914.
2
Cho NS, Kim KH, Park BK, et al. Superficial radial sens...

ADDITIONAL READING

  • Anto C, Aradhya P. Clinical diagnosis of peripheral nerve compression in the upper extremity. Orthop Clin North Am.  1996;27(2):227–236.

  • Nuber GW, Assenmacher J, Bowen MK. Neuro...

CLINICAL PEARLS

  • If the symptoms are present >3 days, the neurapraxic injury may require up to 3 mo to reach maximum improvement.

  • The splint usually needs to be worn 2 to 4 wk or until symptoms resol...

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