Radial nerve injuries profoma

Question 1

Pathophysiology of radial nerve injuries

Answer 1

• Radial nerve damage
• Occurs at the axilla

NOTE: View notes for anatomical image

• Commonly seen in drunk person who falls asleep w/ an arm hanging over the back of a chair.
• Can also be damaged by fractures of the humeral shaft

Question 2

Clinical features of radial nerve injuries

Answer 2

Wrist extensors paralysed = wrist drop.
- Extensor carpi radialis brevis
- Extensor carpi radialis longus
- Extensor carpi ulnaris

Grip strength reduced - because finger flexors don’t function well ww/ the wrist in a flexed position.

Paralysis of the triceps- nerve injury in the axilla causes this. This impacts extension.

Dorsum of the hand btw the 1st & 2nd metacarpals - best place due to cross over of innervation.

Question 3

Management for radial nerve injuries

Answer 3

• Cause assessed
• Fracture or dislocation reduction
• Surgical - decompression or tendon transfer or nerve grafting.