Radial Nerve Palsy

Radial nerve palsy is dysfunction of the radial nerve, most commonly from compression at the spiral groove of the humerus ('Saturday-night palsy' after sleeping with the arm over a chair) or trauma/fracture. Clinical: wrist drop (inability to extend wrist/fingers), and numbness over the dorsum of the hand/thumb. Treatment: wrist splint, observation/treatment of cause; surgical exploration if no recovery or traumatic laceration.

Common Symptoms

Wrist drop; inability to extend fingers; dorsum-of-hand numbness; history of arm compression/trauma

Causes and Pathogenesis

Compression/trauma injures the radial nerve in the spiral groove, producing wrist/finger extensor weakness.

Treatment

Wrist splint; treat cause; observe recovery; surgical exploration if no recovery/traumatic laceration

Preventive Measures

Avoid prolonged arm compression; treat humeral fracture.

Department to Visit

It is recommended to visit the Orthopedic Surgery department; an appointment can be booked on this platform before the visit.

Warm reminder: The above information is for health science reference only and cannot replace professional medical diagnosis. If you have related symptoms, please seek medical attention at a regular hospital promptly.