Forearm: Posterior cutaneous nerve of the forearm.
Hand: Thenar eminence, dorsal aspect of the radial three digits.
Applied Anatomy
General Vulnerability
Prone to injury along its entire course from origin to termination.
Injuries at Axilla
Saturday Night Palsy/Crutch Palsy/Honeymoon Palsy: Compressive neuropathy in the axilla leading to wrist drop.
Symptoms: Inability to extend the wrist (wrist drop), decreased grip strength.
Injuries at Arm
Common in mid-shaft humeral fractures due to proximity to the spiral groove.
Symptoms: Wrist drop, inability to extend elbow, diminished sensation in posterior arm and forearm.
Injuries at Elbow
Radial Tunnel Syndrome: Chronic compression within the radial tunnel causing lateral elbow pain without weakness or sensory deficits.
Posterior Interosseous Nerve Syndrome: Weakness of extensor muscles due to fractures or chronic soft tissue compression.
Injuries at Wrist
Wartenberg Syndrome: Compression of the superficial branch, leading to sensory loss on the dorsal aspect of the radial three digits, no motor deficits.
Key Points
Proximal lesions involve more extensor muscles, leading to greater degree of wrist drop.
Conclusion
Detailed understanding of the origin, course, branches, and clinical anatomy of the radial nerve.
Important for recognizing and diagnosing different types of radial nerve injuries.