Radial nerve Flashcards
Which areas of the arm are innervated by the radial nerve?
Posterior side of the forearm
Dorsal surface of the lateral side of the palm
Lateral 3 and a half digits
Which muscles are innervated by the radial nerve?
Triceps brachii
Extensor muscles of the forearm
Where does the radial nerve divide into its motor and sensory branches?
When it enters the forearm through the cubital fossa
What are the 4 categories of injury to the radial nerve?
Damaged in the axilla
Damaged in the radial groove
Damage to the deep branch
Damage to the superficial branch
How can the radial nerve be damaged in the Axilla?
Dislocation of the humerus at the glenohumeral joint
Fracturs of the proximal humeral
Pressure on the axilla
What motor functions are damaged when the radial nerve is damaged in the Axilla?
The Triceps Brachii are paralysed
Muscles in the posterior compartment are paralysed
What would a patient with radial nerve damage in the axilla look like?
Wristdrop
What sensory innervation would be lost with damage to the radial nerve in the axilla?
All of the sensation supplied by the radial nerve
How can the radial nerve be damaged in the radial groove?
Fracture to the midshaft of the humerus
What motor function is effected by damage to the radial nerve in the radial groove?
Muscles in the posterior forearm are paralysed so wrist drop
Triceps Brachii not effected - Extension
Where is there loss of sensation when the radial nerve is damaged in the radial groove?
In the dorsum of the hand
How does damage to the deep branch of the radial nerve occur?
Fractures to the radial head
Posterior dislocation of the radius at the elbow joint
What motor functions are effected by the deep branch of the radial nerve being damaged?
Muscles in the posterior forearm
EXCEPT supinator and extensor carpi radialis longus
Why doesn’y wrist drop occur with damage to the deep branch of the radial nerve?
Because the Extensor carpi radialis longus is a strong enough extensor to support the wrist
What sensory function is effected by damage to the deep branch of the radial nerve?
None as it is a motor nerve branch
