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Wartenbergs Syndrome
From WikiSM
Contents
Other Names
- Cheiralgia Paresthetica
- Compression Neuropathy of Superficial Branch of Radial Nerve
- Wartenbergs Syndrome
Background
- This page refers to an entrapment of the superficial branch of the Radial Nerve
History
Epidemiology
- Incidence is rare (need citation)
Pathophysiology

Illustration of the superficial branch of the radial nerve (click to enlarge).[1]
- General
- Entrapment of the superficial branch radial nerve
- Sometimes termed superficial sensory radial nerve (SRN)
- Sensory symptoms only, no motor
- Etiology
- Entrapment between Brachioradialis and Extensor Carpi Radialis Longus tendons
- Direct pressure (e.g. watch, wristband, handcuffs)
- Stretching (e.g. forearm fracture)
Risk Factors
- Females > Males
Differential Diagnosis
- Fractures
- Dislocations
- Tendinopathies
- Ligament Injuries
- Neuropathies
- Arthropathies
- Nail Bed Injuries
- Pediatric Considerations
- Other
Clinical Features
- Historu
- Often poorly defined pain over dorsal hand and fingers
- Sensory symptoms of burning, numbness, and tingling over the dorsal radial aspect of the wrist and hand
- Physical Exam: Physical Examination Hand
- Often normal
- Special Tests
- Tinel’s Test can be positive
- Finkelstein's Test due to stretching of tendons
Evaluation
Radiographs
- Standard Radiographs Hand
- Typically normal, evaluation for other etiology
EMG/NCS
- EMG/NCS can be helpful
Diagnostic nerve block
- Should be considered in equivocal cases
Classification
- N/a
Management
Nonoperative
- First line therapy, spontaneous resolution common
- Removal of offending compressive device
- NSAIDS
- Wrist splint
- Physical Therapy
- Role of Corticosteroid Injection is unclear
Operative
- Indications
- Refractory to nonoperative therapy for 6 months.
Rehab and Return to Play
Rehabilitation
- Needs to be updated
Return to Play/ Work
- Needs to be updated
Complications and Prognosis
Prognosis
- Unknown
Complications
- Unknown
See Also
- Hand and Wrist Anatomy (Main)
- Finger Pain (Main)
- Hand Pain (Main)
- Wrist Pain (Main)
- Physical Exam Wrist
- Neuropathies (Main)
External
- Sports Med Review Hand Pain: https://www.sportsmedreview.com/by-joint/hand/
References
- ↑ Image courtesy of healthjade.net, "warternberg syndrome
Created by:
John Kiel on 21 June 2019 14:02:12
Authors:
Last edited:
16 October 2022 00:20:44
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