Radial tunnel syndrome is the least common of the nerve compression syndromes of the arm. Pinching of the radial nerve in the forearm can cause pain to radiate along the outside of the arm, centered around the elbow. The syndrome predominantly causes pain, and rarely causes weakness in extension of the fingers. It can occur in conjunction with the condition lateral epicondylitis or “tennis elbow”. Many patients improve with rest combined with physical therapy, and unfortunately, nerve conduction tests are often unreliable in making a diagnosis. Patients with well-diagnosed radial tunnel syndrome that is not responsive to conservative treatment are often improved with surgical release of the radial nerve through a small incision on the back of the forearm just past the elbow.
MeetJohn Barbour, MD, FACS
Dr. John Barbour combines the benefits of excellent surgical training with a caring and thoughtful approach to his patients. He previously served as the Director of the Peripheral Nerve Surgery Institute at Georgetown University Hospital and as an Assistant Professor of Plastic Surgery, and earned an adjunct appointment as Assistant Professor of Neurosurgery at the Georgetown University School of Medicine. Dr. Barbour is a triple board-certified plastic surgeon serving the national capital/Washington, DC area. Dr. Barbour is board-certified by both the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Surgery with additional sub-certification in surgery of the hand. He has specialized fellowship training in both hand surgery and microvascular surgery, and specializes in complex nerve surgery, breast reconstruction and microsurgery.
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Reviews
“Very calm and knowledgeable and made me at ease. Also very humble. I would definitely getting his opinion if you have a nerve injury. His bedside manner gave me reason for hope."