Superficial radial nerve compression caused by a parosteal lipoma of proximal radius: a case report.

The superficial radial nerve might be compressed or injured at various anatomical sites along its course in the forearm. Most of the superficial radial nerve neuropathy are caused by pathological lesions such as trauma, a mass or tight band at the distal third of the forearm. Wartenberg's syndrome is the most common cause of sensory radial entrapment at the distal forearm. Compression of superficial radial nerve occurring at the proximal third of forearm is unusual. We present a rare case of superficial radial nerve compression due to a parosteal lipoma of proximal radius. Results of complete physical and radiological examinations are also presented. Surgical intervention of the tumour mass was performed for nerve decompression. The patient reported total relief of the neurological symptom post-operatively. This rare case demonstrates the unique characteristics of parosteal lipoma with unusual superficial radial nerve neuropathy at the proximal radius. This report reminds us that there is the possibility of superficial nerve compression caused by tumour mass over the proximal third of forearm.     

A composite neuro-teno-cutaneous forearm flap in the one-stage reconstruction of a large defect of the soft tissue around the ankle.

The vascular anatomy of the radial forearm flap, incorporating the brachioradialis and palmaris tendons together with the superficial radial nerve in 20 fresh cadavers, is described. The radial artery in the cadaveric forearm was irrigated and injected with blue latex. The number and distribution of the cutaneous branches supplying the skin, brachioradialis tendon, palmaris tendon, and superficial radial nerve, were then documented in relation to the distance from the radiocarpal joint. The radial artery was found to provide adequate blood supply to the above structures. This flap has been used as a composite neuro-teno-cutaneous flap to resurface a large defect involving tendon, nerve, and skin loss in the ankle and the foot as a one-stage procedure. This technique avoids multiple-staged operations and thus shortens the convalescent period in rehabilitation of severely traumatized limbs.     

Exposure of distal radius fractures using a direct radial approach with mobilization of the superficial branch of the radial nerve

Extraarticular and simple intraarticular fractures and malunions of the distal radius can be addressed through a direct radial approach that entails careful and meticulous handling of the soft tissues. This approach involves mobilization of the superficial branch of the radial nerve (SBRN) and extensor tendons of the first dorsal compartment. A Type I SBRN pattern is when the nerve presents as a single bundle. In Type II pattern, there are 2 major nerve groups present. With Type II branching patterns of the SBRN, careful intraneural dissection is required to mobilize the nerve branches into a safe location during surgery. The primary advantage of this approach is the ease of surgical dissection and avoidance of the flexor tendons of the fingers during surgery.     

Superficial radial neuropathy.

Isolated neuropathy of the cutaneous branch of the radial nerve is a rarely recognised condition. Five cases were described in 1932 by Wartenberg, who suggested the name cheiralgia paraesthetica. The condition has also been described as Wartenberg's disease. Twelve cases of isolated neuropathy of the cutaneous branch of the radial nerve are described, the literature is reviewed and the clinical picture outlined. In six of the cases the condition subsided without treatment, in two there was a good response to local injection of hydrocortisone, and in four cases a satisfactory result followed resection of the nerve. The course and distribution of the superficial branch of the radial nerve are described. The need to avoid the nerve during operations around the wrist is stressed.     

Superficial radial nerve compression due to fibroma of the brachioradialis tendon sheath: A case report

Fibroma of the tendon sheath (FTS) is a rare benign tumour that usually develops in the upper extremity, particularly in the fingers, hands and wrists. Herein, we present the case of a patient with an unusually localised FTS compressing the superficial branch of the radial nerve. A 62-year-old woman presented with a superficial radial nerve compression due to FTS of the brachioradialis. Histopathological diagnosis was confirmed as a FTS after marginal excision. The patient who had compression-related symptoms in the superficial branch of the radial nerve recovered completely at one month after surgery. One year later, the patient remained free of symptoms and no recurrence was observed.     

The cadaveric anatomy of the distal radius: implications for the use of volar plates

INTRODUCTION

Fractures of the distal radius are common upper limb injuries, representing a substantial proportion of the trauma workload in orthopaedic units. With ever increasing advancements in implant technology, operative intervention is becoming more frequent. As growing numbers of surgeons are performing operative fixation of distal radial fractures, an accurate understanding of the relevant surgical anatomy is paramount. The flexor carpi radialis (FCR) tendon forms the cornerstone of the Henry approach to the volar cortex of the distal radius. A number of key neurovascular structures around the wrist are potentially at risk during this approach, especially when the FCR is mobilised and placed under retractors.

METHODS

In order to clarify the safe margins of the FCR approach, ten fresh frozen human cadaver limbs were dissected. The location of the radial artery, the median nerve, the palmar cutaneous branch of the median nerve and the superficial branch nerve were measured with respect to the FCR tendon. Measurements were taken on a centre-to-centre basis in the coronal plane at the watershed level. In addition, the distances between the tendons of brachioradialis, abductor pollicis longus and flexor pollicis longus, and the radial artery and median nerve were measured to create a complete picture of the anatomy of the FCR approach to the distal radius.

RESULTS

The structure most at risk was the palmar cutaneous branch of the median nerve. It was located on average 3.4mm from the FCR tendon. The radial artery and the main trunk of the median nerve were located 7.8mm and 8.9mm from the tendon. The superficial branch of the radial nerve was 24.4mm from the FCR tendon and 11.1mm from the brachioradialis tendon.

CONCLUSIONS

Operative intervention is not without complication. We believe a more accurate understanding of the surgical anatomy is key to the prevention of neurovascular damage arising from the surgical management of distal radial fractures.     

Isolated flexor pollicis longus palsy in twin sisters treated by brachioradialis transfer.

Isolated paralysis of flexor pollicis longus is an uncommon variation of the anterior inter-osseous nerve compression syndrome. Two cases occurring in twin sisters were treated by brachioradialis tendon transfer when no recovery was evident after six months, with good results. Brachioradialis transfer is technically easy to perform, but complete mobilization of the tendon and muscle is necessary to achieve the desired excursion of the muscle-tendon unit.     

Prevention of ulceration, amputation, and reduction of hospitalization: outcomes of a prospective multicenter trial of tibial neurolysis in patients with diabetic neuropathy

This is the first multicenter prospective study of outcomes of tibial neurolysis in diabetics with neuropathy and chronic compression of the tibial nerve in the tarsal tunnels. A total of 38 surgeons enrolled 628 patients using the same technique for diagnosis of compression, neurolysis of four medial ankle tunnels, and objective outcomes: ulceration, amputation, and hospitalization for foot infection. Contralateral limb tibial neurolysis occurred in 211 patients for a total of 839 operated limbs. Kaplan-Meier proportional hazards were used for analysis. New ulcerations occurred in 2 (0.2%) of 782 patients with no previous ulceration history, recurrent ulcerations in 2 (3.8%) of 57 patients with a previous ulcer history, and amputations in 1 (0.2%) of 839 at risk limbs. Admission to the hospital for foot infections was 0.6%. In patients with diabetic neuropathy and chronic tibial nerve compression, neurolysis can result in prevention of ulceration and amputation, and decrease in hospitalization for foot infection.     

The dorsal cutaneous branch of the ulnar nerve. An anatomic clarification with six case reports

We studied the anatomy and pathology of the dorsal cutaneous branch of the ulnar nerve by dissecting 10 fresh cadaver upper limbs and reviewing 6 cases of injury or entrapment of the dorsal cutaneous branch of the ulnar nerve. In all of the cadavers and in our series of cases, several anatomical features were apparent: 1) the dorsal cutaneous branch of the ulnar nerve arises from the main ulnar nerve an average of 5.5 centimeters proximal to the head of the ulna; 2) the dorsal cutaneous branch of the ulnar nerve reaches the dorsum of the hand after coursing volar to the ulnar head; 3) there was no communication between the dorsal cutaneous branch of the ulnar nerve and the superficial sensory branch of the radial nerve; and 4) no volar branches were noted. Based on our experience, disorders of this nerve are more prevalent than previously reported. This clarification of the anatomy will help prevent unnecessary injury during surgery and will be valuable in the diagnosis of disorders of the dorsal cutaneous branch of the ulnar nerve.     

An unusual cause of Wartenberg’s syndrome: tuberculosis of brachioradialis muscle

World wide there has been an increase in incidence of tuberculosis with unusual site of infections being reported in increasing number more so in association with HIV/AIDS. Isolated neuropathy of superficial branch of radial nerve or Wartenberg’s syndrome is a rarely recognized pathology. We report one such case in association with tubercular infection of brachioradialis muscle without underlying bony involvement. All physicians should have adequate knowledge of tuberculosis and awareness of its atypical presentations to ensure proper management of such patients.     

The superficial branch of the radial nerve: An anatomic study with surgical implications

Twenty fresh cadaver extremities were dissected to delineate and quantify the course of the superficial branch of the radial nerve. This branch bifurcated from the radial nerve at the level of the lateral humeral epicondyle in eight specimens, and in all specimens the bifurcation was no more than 2.1 cm from the lateral epicondyle. It continued distally, deep to the brachioradialis and became subcutaneous a mean of 9.0 cm proximal to the radial styloid, traversing between the tendons of the brachioradialis and extensor carpi radialis longus. The superficial branch of the radial nerve branched a mean of 5.1 cm proximal to the radial styloid. Distally, at the level of the extensor retinaculum, the closest branches to the center of the first dorsal compartment and to Lister's tubercle were mean distances of 0.4 and 1.6 cm, respectively. In the hand, the superficial branch of the radial nerve most commonly supplied branches to the thumb, the index finger, and the dorsoradial aspect of the long finger. Knowledge of the course of the superficial branch of the radial nerve will help prevent injury during operative procedures on the radial side of the hand, wrist, and forearm and will aid in its localization in treatment of traumatic injuries or performance of nerve blocks in its distribution.     

The role of the musculocutaneous and radial nerves in elbow flexion and forearm supination: a biomechanical study

The intention of this prospective study was to evaluate the role of the musculocutaneous and radial nerves in elbow flexion and forearm supination. The study included 29 patients having loco-regional anaesthesia for minor hand surgery. Elbow flexion and forearm supination forces were evaluated before and after an isolated musculocutaneous nerve block in one group and an isolated radial nerve block in another group. The results showed that the biceps tendon is responsible for 47% of the forearm supination force and the combination of brachioradialis and the supinator for 64% of this force. It showed also that the musculocutaneous and radial nerves contribute by 42% and 27.5%, respectively, to the flexion force of the elbow. These results are intended to help surgeons in decision making when treating chronic biceps tendon rupture, in repair of traumatic brachial plexus neuropathy and in using tendon transfers, such as the Steindler transfer, around the elbow.     

An unusual cause of sciatic pain as a result of the dynamic motion of the obturator internus muscle

Background contextIt has been reported that compression of the sciatic nerve because of any cause, including endometriosis, piriformis syndrome, abscess, tumor, adjoining uterus provoke sciatic pain. Some of these pathophysiologies have been diagnosed clinically and sometimes by exclusion.PurposeTo discuss the clinical features of sciatic neuropathy under the belief that dynamic motion of the obturator internus muscle and tendon should be included in the differential diagnosis of sciatic neuropathy.Study designSciatic neuropathy, which was because of compression of the sciatic nerve caused by dynamic motion of the tendon and muscle of the obturator internus, was reported.MethodsWe performed surgery to confirm the outlet of the pelvis.ResultsAlthough no compression was provoked by the piriformis muscle, obvious compression was observed on the sciatic nerve by the stretched obturator internus muscle.ConclusionsAlthough it may not be common, compression of the sacral plexus caused by dynamic motion of the obturator internus muscle should be included as a possible diagnosis for sciatic pain.     

Anterior interosseous nerve syndrome

Anterior interosseous nerve syndrome (Kiloh-Nevin Syndrome) is the triad of weakness of the flexor pollicis longus, the flexor digitorum profundus of the index finger, and the pronator quadratus. It is a manifestation of neuropathy affecting either the anterior interosseous nerve itself (anterior interosseous neuropathy) or its fascicles more proximally within the median nerve or brachial plexus (pseudo–anterior interosseous neuropathy). Anterior interosseous neuropathy in the presence of normal anatomic variation of the anterior interosseous nerve must be distinguished clinically from pseudo–anterior interosseous neuropathy, which can present with telltale signs in addition to the signature weaknesses of anterior interosseous nerve syndrome. A history of penetrating injury mitigates toward early exploration and nerve repair. A history of sudden onset and rapid progression, particularly when accompanied by a prodrome of pain and fatigue, suggests the presence of a focal neuritis, which typically resolves completely within 6 to 12 months without surgical intervention. If no improvement is noted within 6 to 12 months or if the neurologic condition worsens, surgical exploration may be warranted. In the presence of untreatable injury to the anterior interosseous nerve, with permanent muscular atrophy, functional tendon transfers of the flexor digitorum superficialis of the ring or middle finger or of the brachioradialis may be helpful. Copyright © 2001 by the American Society for Surgery of the Hand     

Endoscopically assisted nerve decompression of rare nerve compression syndromes at the upper extremity

Background

Besides carpal tunnel and cubital tunnel syndrome, other nerve compression or constriction syndromes exist at the upper extremity. This study was performed to evaluate and summarize our initial experience with endoscopically assisted decompression.

Materials and methods

Between January 2011 and March 2012, six patients were endoscopically operated for rare compression or hour-glass-like constriction syndrome. This included eight decompressions: four proximal radial nerve decompressions, and two combined proximal median nerve and anterior interosseus nerve decompressions. Surgical technique and functional outcomes are presented.

Results

There were no intraoperative complications in the series. Endoscopy allowed both identifying and removing all the compressive structures. In one case, the proximal radial neuropathy developed for 10 years without therapy and a massive hour-glass nerve constriction was observed intraoperatively which led us to perform a concurrent complementary tendon transfer to improve fingers and thumb extension. Excellent results were achieved according to the modified Roles and Maudsley classification in five out of six cases. All but one patient considered the results excellent. The poorest responder developed a CRPS II and refused post-operative physiotherapy.

Conclusion

Endoscopically assisted decompression in rare compression syndrome of the upper extremity is highly appreciated by patients and provides excellent functional results. This minimally invasive surgical technique will likely be further described in future clinical studies.     

Synovial osteochondromatosis at the elbow producing ulnar and median nerve palsy. Case report and review of the literature

The authors present the case of a 53-year-old woman suffering from synovial osteochondromatosis of her right elbow responsible for ulnar and median nerve entrapment neuropathy. This condition is characterised by the formation of multiple cartilaginous nodules in the metaplastic synovium of otherwise normal joints, bursae or tendon sheaths. Treatment consisted of partial synovectomy, removal of loose bodies and microscopic nerve release. Synovial osteochondromatosis complicated by nerve compression syndromes has been rarely reported, usually with ulnar tunnel syndrome at the elbow. The literature on this subject is reviewed.     

The incomplete anterior interosseous nerve syndrome

The anterior interosseous nerve syndrome involves paralysis of the flexor pollicis longus, flexor digitorum profundus of the index and long fingers, and the pronator quadratus. We have encountered 33 cases of an incomplete syndrome in which only the flexor pollicis longus or the flexor digitorum profundus of the index finger is either paretic or paralyzed. This entity must be distinguished from flexor tendon rupture, flexor tendon adherence or adhesion, and stenosing tenosynovitis. The nerve is usually compressed by fibrous bands that most commonly originate from the deep head of the pronator teres and to the brachialis fascia. Less common causes of compression are: fibrous bands from the superficial head of the pronator teres; bands from the superficialis arcade; the nerve running deep to both heads of the pronator; and compression by a double lacertus fibrosus. Patients presenting with paresis should be observed. Most will improve spontaneously without surgery. We recommend exploration and neurolysis of the anterior interosseous nerve in patients who present with complete paralysis of either muscle-tendon unit and who have shown no improvement as determined by physical examination or repeat electromyography after 12 weeks of observation. Recovery after neurolysis is often rapid and complete.     

桡神经浅支及其分支的解剖学研究及临床意义

目的通过对尸体标本桡神经浅支的解剖学研究为减少桡神经浅支的医源性损伤提供帮助。方法通过对40具尸体40侧桡神经浅支的解剖,观测其分支类型、变异、解剖学路径及其同周围组织间关系,并进行相关数据统计学分析。结果按照Ikiz和Ucerler对桡神经浅支的分型,I型29例(72.5%),II型2例(5%),III型3例(7.5%)。40例中4例桡神经浅支的SR3分支缺如,1例桡神经浅支缺如。桡神经浅支同鼻烟壶区、第一背侧间隔、头静脉、桡动脉、前臂外侧皮神经等周围组织间存在一定关系。统计分析显示桡骨茎突同桡神经浅出点间最短距离与第一掌指关节同桡骨背突间距离存在显著相关性,其回归方程为y=1.0138x-0.0015(R2=0.5222,R=0.732)(P0.05)。结论通过了解桡神经浅支及其分支的分型、变异、与周围组织的关系并结合其浅出点等体表定位能使笔者减少对其意外的损伤。     

Susceptibility of the superficial sensory branch of the radial nerve to form painful neuromas

The superficial sensory branch of the radial nerve appears prone to develop painful neuromas out of proportion to its likelihood for injury. Based on cadaver dissections and intraoperative observations, an anatomical mechanism for this "predisposition" is suggested. Exit of this nerve beneath dense fascia and the tendons of brachioradialis and extensor carpi radialis longus provide a proximal tethering against which tension develops as the distal fixation point (neuroma) is pulled through the long excursion of wrist arc of motion. This long excursion and proximal tethering are not present anatomically for the dorsal cutaneous branch of the ulnar nerve nor the palmar cutaneous branch of the median nerve.     

Anatomical Assessment of Cephalic Vein and Superficial Branch of Radial Nerve Using High-Resolution Ultrasound Imaging

Introduction  The superficial branch of the radial nerve (SBRN) has a risk of nerve injury during cephalic vein (CV) cannulation. Due to the lack of imaging study regarding SBRN and CV relationship, we analyzed the anatomical relationship between the SBRN and the CV using ultrasound (US) imaging. Materials and Methods  In total, 82 upper limbs of 41 healthy volunteers were analyzed. The SBRN and CV were identified at the following three points in the elbow extension and pronation position: at the radial styloid process (point 1), 5 cm proximal to point 1 (point 2), and 10 cm proximal to point 1 (point 3). Results  The distance between the SBRN and CV was 1.1 ± 1.0 mm at point 1, 1.3 ± 1.3 mm at point 2, and 2.1 ± 1.6 mm at point 3. The depth of the SBRN from the surface of the skin was 2.7 ± 0.9 mm at point 1, 3.5 ± 1.1 mm at point 2, and 5.5 ± 1.9 mm at point 3. The percentage of the SBRN that ran beneath the CV was 17.5%, 53.5%, and 92.4% at points 1, 2, and 3, respectively. Conclusion  Ultrasonography can reveal the anatomical relationship between the SBRN and CV.