Arch Hand Microsurg.  2019 Sep;24(3):285-289. 10.12790/ahm.2019.24.3.285.

Radial Nerve Torsion: A Case Report

Affiliations
  • 1Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Korea University Ansan Hospital, Ansan, Korea.
  • 2Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Korea University Ansan Hospital, Ansan, Korea.
  • 3Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Korea University Anam Hospital, Seoul, Korea. ospark@korea.ac.kr

Abstract

Peripheral nerve torsion is a rare cause of peripheral nerve palsy and its etiology is also unknown. It is usually misdiagnosed as compressive neuropathy or radiculopathy of spine though the treatment and clinical result are different from them. Authors present a case of radial nerve torsion. The symptom was same with a posterior interosseous nerve syndrome. However, the lesion is located not at forearm but at arm.

Keyword

Peripheral nerve; Torsion; Palsy; Radial nerve; Ultrasonography

MeSH Terms

Arm
Forearm
Paralysis
Peripheral Nerves
Radial Nerve*
Radiculopathy
Spine
Ultrasonography

Figure

  • Fig. 1 The patient presented with left finger drop.

  • Fig. 2 (A) Ultrasonography and (B) magnetic resonance imaging showed hourglass-like constriction at the arm.

  • Fig. 3 Microscopic photographs during surgical exploration at the arm. (A) Superficial and deep branch of radial nerve could be distinguished each other and the superficial branch climbed over the deep branch. (B) Nerve erythema and adhesion were found in the proximal portion of torsion. (C) After incising nerve sheath, the deep branch which was twisted about 180 degrees was found. (D) Epineural neurorrhaphy was performed after torsion resection. Proximal portion is to the right, black arrowheads: nerve torsion, thick white arrows: deep branch of radial nerve, thin white arrows: superficial branch of radial nerve, black arrows: interconnection between superficial and deep branch of radial nerve containing motor branch to brachioradialis, extensor carpi radialis longus and extensor carpi radialis brevis muscle.


Reference

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