Radial Tunnel Syndrome
Radial tunnel syndrome is a painful condition caused by the radial nerve entrapment in the radial tunnel. The Radial nerve starts in the armpit, travels down the arm and forearm, controls muscle movements, and supplies overlying skin. The radial tunnel in your elbow is formed between muscle and the bone below the elbow. While passing through this tunnel, increased pressure on the radial nerve leads to pain in the top and back of the forearm.
Symptoms may also occur at the back of the hand or wrist.
- Dull, aching pain in the forearm
- Cutting, stabbing, or piercing pain at the back of forearm when straightening the wrist of fingers
- Tenderness and swelling below the elbow
- Decreased strength of grip and weakness
- Difficulty gripping and extending the wrist
The compression of the radial nerve may be due to:
- Injury to the elbow
- Excessive use of the forearm
- Movements such as twisting the forearm
- Disease conditions like diabetes
DIAGNOSIS
- Symptoms such as the pain area of the forearm
- Medical history
- Physical examination
- Electromyography (EMG) test to check how well your muscle and nerve are working.
- Imaging tests like X-rays or MRIs to check for the severity of the condition or rule out other conditions
Treatment
- Rest
- Pain killer
- Work modifications decrease repetitive use of the forearm.
- Radial tunnel injection
- Surgery, as the last resort to increase the space between muscle and bone for the radial nerve.
What does the procedure involve?
The doctor will clean the area over the region of interest and insert a small needle into the target area under imaging guidance. When it is in the correct position, they will inject the drug. They will remove the needle and cover the injection site with a small dressing.
What you are to do before procedure (Preparation)?
- Book prior appointment if elective or get admission in causality if emergency
- Lab investigation (*PT/INR, CBC), XRAY, CT/MRI scan and previous records.
- 2-3 Hours fasting.
- If you are on blood thinner like Aspirin, inform during appointment.
- One accompanying person
- Need to sign a consent form for procedure
Approx. Stay in hospital?
We have very fast and competent working team (Consultant, fellow, clinical assistant, technician and ward assistant) which provide you comfortable atmosphere and ease your nerves. Usual time of stay is few hours
Complications
Every procedure carries a risk, although this is extremely small. The risk of infection with this procedure is extremely small as no incisions are made in the skin.
Resume to work?
You can resume your work after 1 day if existing disease allows.
