yogabook / pathology / radialtunnelsyndrom

Definition

Compression of the radial motor nerve somewhere in its passage in the forearm. The peak age is 30-50 years and the disease is probably more common in females.

It is debated whether supinator ligament syndrome is an early form of radial tunnel syndrome. In contrast to supinator tunnel syndrome, there is no pain but rather motor deficits of the finger extensors.

Cause

1. Arthritis of the elbow joint
2. Trauma
3. Lipomas
4. Bone tumours
5. Ganglion

Symptoms

1. Intense pain with quite spontaneous onset close to the elbow on the dorsal side of the forearm during finger extension, supination or wrist dorsiflexion.
2. Usually no weakness, sensory disturbance or paraesthesia with the above movements

Diagnosis

1. The diagnosis is usually made clinically
2. Pain provocation during supination and finger extension against resistance
3. Pain may radiate towards the shoulder
4. Worsening during intensive work with the hand
5. If necessary, MRI to rule out other disorders such as tennis elbow. The MRI may show müskeloedema or muscle atrophy as a sign of impaired nerve supply, most frequently in the supinator.

Therapy

1. Immobilisation with splint
2. if necessary: surgical decompression. A 3-month period of unsuccessful conservative therapy can be regarded as an indication for surgery.

DD

1. Tennis elbow