View source for Radial neuropathy at the spiral groove

==Background==
*Radial nerve predisposed to compression in area where runs next to humerus (i.e. spiral groove)
*Often occurs after prolonged pressure
**Frequently from inebriated individuals sleeping with arm resting on hard surface (i.e. "Saturday night palsy")

==Clinical Features==
*Weakness of wrist extensors ("wrist drop"), finger extensors, and brachioradialis
*Triceps retains full strength 
*Possible sensory loss over the dorsum of the hand, sometimes extending up the posterior forearm
*Thumb abduction is affected (abductor pollicis longus is a radial-innervated muscle)

===Vs. [[CVA]]===
*Relative preservation of triceps strength 
*Sensory loss isolated to the dorsum of the hand 
*Brachioradialis should also be weak

==Differential Diagnosis==
*[[CVA]]

{{Upper extremity peripheral nerve syndromes}}

==Evaluation==
*Clinical diagnosis

==Management==
*Wrist splint with 60 degrees of dorsiflexion to avoid contractures<ref>Bunney EB, Gallagher EJ: Peripheral Nerve Disorders; in Marx JA, Hockberger RS, Walls RM, et al (eds): Rosen’s Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice, ed 8. St. Louis, Mosby, Inc., 2014, (Ch) 107: p 1428-1441.</ref>
*Usually spontaneously resolves, but may take 2-4 months, during which splint should be worn

==Disposition==
*Discharge with neurology follow up

==See Also==
*[[Peripheral nerve syndromes]]

==External Links==

==References==
<references/>

[[Category:Neurology]]