Entrapment of the Sensory Branch of the Radial Nerve (Wartenberg's Syndrome): An Unusual Cause.

We dissected 20 preserved Caucasian cadaveric upper limbs looking at the relation of the superficial branch of the radial nerve (SBRN) to the brachioradialis tendon. SBRN emerged from deep to superficial position by piercing the brachioradialis tendon near its dorsal border in four limbs. The resulting dorsal tendinous band compressed the nerve and prevented longitudinal gliding movement during ulnar flexion. This is likely to increase the risk of chronic compression neuropathy (Wartenberg's syndrome). In two of these four limbs, there was a communication between the SBRN and lateral cutaneous nerve of the forearm. No such communication was found in the remaining 16 forearms. This communication could contribute to the minimal area of sensory loss observed in Wartenberg's syndrome. We recommend that this anatomical anomaly is looked for and if present dealt with during surgical treatment of Wartenberg's syndrome, as it is likely to predispose to chronic compression neuropathy.

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An anatomical variant of the superficial branch of the radial nerve in Wartenberg’s syndrome

Journal of Hand Surgery (European Volume) ◽

10.1177/1753193411434907 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 37 (4) ◽

pp. 365-366 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

A. D. Murphy ◽

J. W. Blair

Keyword(s):

Radial Nerve ◽

Anatomical Variant ◽

Superficial Branch ◽

Wartenberg’S Syndrome

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Wartenberg’s Syndrome: Diagnosis and Treatment

Orthopaedics and Surgical Sports Medicine ◽

10.31579/2641-0427/016 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 2 (1) ◽

pp. 01-03

Author(s):

Graeme Matthewson ◽

James Kong ◽

Tod Clark

Keyword(s):

Peripheral Neuropathy ◽

Literature Review ◽

Radial Nerve ◽

Diagnosis And Treatment ◽

Proper Treatment ◽

Superficial Radial Nerve ◽

Syndrome Diagnosis ◽

Wartenberg’S Syndrome

Wartenberg’s syndrome is a peripheral neuropathy caused by entrapment of the superficial radial nerve (SRN), presenting with paresthesia in the nerve distribution [1]. Currently, there are no established guidelines or recommendations for the proper treatment of this condition. As such, the objective of this paper is to complete a literature review outlining the diagnosis and treatment of Wartenberg’s syndrome.

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Entrapment of the superficial branch of the radial nerve (Wartenberg's syndrome)

International Orthopaedics ◽

10.1007/bf00180450 ◽

1993 ◽

Vol 17 (6) ◽

Cited By ~ 51

Author(s):

M. Lanzetta ◽

G. Foucher

Keyword(s):

Radial Nerve ◽

Superficial Branch ◽

Wartenberg’S Syndrome

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Robert Wartenberg Syndrome and Sign: A Review Article

The Open Orthopaedics Journal ◽

10.2174/1874325002115010013 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 15 (1) ◽

pp. 13-16

Author(s):

Stuart H. Kuschner ◽

Haben Berihun

Keyword(s):

Ulnar Nerve ◽

Radial Nerve ◽

Nerve Palsy ◽

Sensory Nerve ◽

Surgical Decompression ◽

Activity Restriction ◽

Ulnar Nerve Palsy ◽

Superficial Branch ◽

Wartenberg’S Syndrome ◽

Little Finger

Background: Robert Wartenberg, a European-American neurologist, was born in 1887 and died in 1956. His description of radial sensory nerve compression at the forearm is memorialized as Wartenberg’s syndrome. He recognized that involuntary abduction of the little finger could be caused by ulnar nerve palsy - a finding often called Wartenberg’s sign Syndrome and signs are reviewed, and a brief biography is presented. Objective: To review Wartenberg’s sign and Wartenberg’s syndrome. Discussion: Compression of the superficial branch of the radial nerve, often called Wartenberg’s syndrome, is characterized by pain, paresthesia, and dysesthesia along the dorsoradial distal forearm. Non-operative treatment can include activity restriction and anti-inflammatory medication. If symptoms persist, surgical decompression of the radial nerve is an option. The abducted posture of the little finger - Wartenberg’s sign - can result from a low ulnar nerve palsy. Tendon transfer can be performed to correct this deformity. Conclusion: Compression of the superficial branch of the radial nerve and abducted posture of the little finger were described by Robert Wartenberg and carry his name as eponymous syndrome and sign, respectively.

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Neurolysis, subepineural stimulation and artificial epineurium in the surgical treatment of intra-trunk injuries of the radial nerve

Practical medicine ◽

10.32000/2072-1757-2019-7-121-126 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 17 (7) ◽

pp. 121-126

Author(s):

A. V. Zorkova ◽

◽

V. N. Grigoryeva ◽

Keyword(s):

Surgical Treatment ◽

Radial Nerve

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Radial Nerve Palsy: Nerve Transfer Versus Tendon Transfer to Restore Function

Hand ◽

10.1177/1558944720988126 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 155894472098812

Author(s):

J. Megan M. Patterson ◽

Stephanie A. Russo ◽

Madi El-Haj ◽

Christine B. Novak ◽

Susan E. Mackinnon

Keyword(s):

Radial Nerve ◽

Tendon Transfer ◽

Nerve Palsy ◽

Nerve Transfer ◽

Pinch Strength ◽

Radial Nerve Palsy ◽

Nerve Injuries ◽

Tendon Transfers ◽

Nerve Transfers ◽

Transfer Group

Background: Radial nerve injuries cause profound disability, and a variety of reconstruction options exist. This study aimed to compare outcomes of tendon transfers versus nerve transfers for the management of isolated radial nerve injuries. Methods: A retrospective chart review of 30 patients with isolated radial nerve injuries treated with tendon transfers and 16 patients managed with nerve transfers was performed. Fifteen of the 16 patients treated with nerve transfer had concomitant pronator teres to extensor carpi radialis brevis tendon transfer for wrist extension. Preoperative and postoperative strength data, Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) scores, and quality-of-life (QOL) scores were compared before and after surgery and compared between groups. Results: For the nerve transfer group, patients were significantly younger, time from injury to surgery was significantly shorter, and follow-up time was significantly longer. Both groups demonstrated significant improvements in grip and pinch strength after surgery. Postoperative grip strength was significantly higher in the nerve transfer group. Postoperative pinch strength did not differ between groups. Similarly, both groups showed an improvement in DASH and QOL scores after surgery with no significant differences between the 2 groups. Conclusions: The nerve transfer group demonstrated greater grip strength, but both groups had improved pain, function, and satisfaction postoperatively. Patients who present early and can tolerate longer time to functional recovery would be optimal candidates for nerve transfers. Both tendon transfers and nerve transfers are good options for patients with radial nerve palsy.

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