Radial Nerve

Question 1

LOOK

Answer 1

Splints
Exposure
Wasting of triceps/ extensor of forearm
Arm up: scars, axilla, lateral elbow scars AND WRIST DROP

Question 2

FEEL aka sensation

first ask if pt has any pain anywhere

Answer 2

Axillary nerve- C5 deltoid
Post cut. nerve of arm- triceps
Lat cut nerve of forearm- extensors
Superficial branch of radial nerve- 1st dorsal webspace/ anatomical snuffbox

Question 3

MOVE

Answer 3

Triceps(c7/8) extend passive & resisted
Brachioradialis (C6) flex elbow with forearm pronated
ECRL (C6/7) extend wrist in flexion against R
📌 ECRB (6/7) extend in mid flexion against R
📌 ECR + ECU (6/7) extend wrist
📌 supinator (6) supinate forearm in extension
📌 EDC extend MCPJ (C8)
📌 ECU extend wrist & ulnar deviate
📌 EPL (C7) extend thumb IPJ against R. Best done with pt palm flat on table

Question 4

Special Tests

Answer 4

Tinnel test at snuffbox

Question 5

Ddx lesion levels

Answer 5

C7 = no triceps but good wrist ext C6
C6 = normal triceps BUT no wrist extension
Posterior cord = radial & axillary nerve ➖ and sub scap and Lat dorsi ➖
Therefore
High lesion = no triceps… sat night palsy
Intermediate lesion= + triceps - BR & ECRL eg humoral #
Low lesion = below supinator 📌 compression
Adults Holden Lewis #= distal 1/3 humerus #