Radial Tunnel Syndrome

Reconstructive Surgery in Washington, DC
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.