Radial tunnel syndrome. Findings and treatment in 17 patients

Abstract

BackroundRadial tunnel syndrome is a condition secondary to the intermittent entrapment of the posterior interosseous nerve between superficial and deep mass of short supinator adjacent structures, such as vessels and fascias. The purpose of this study was to identify the anatomical structures that produce the eventual compression, to establish and communicate the differences in the subjective pain perception before and after the release of the posterior interosseous nerve in the radial tunnel.MethodBetween 2009 and 2014, 17 patients underwent surgical treatment by posterior interosseous nerve release. We used the approach between the first external radial and brachioradialis. Patients were assessed by visual analogue scale for pain intensity before surgery and at week 6, and according to the Roles and Maudsley functional criteria.ResultsThe causes of posterior interosseous nerve compression were fibrous band of short supinator (arcade of Frohse) (7 cases), recurrent vessels (4 cases), compression by the mass of the superficial portion of the short supinator muscle (2 cases) and secondary compression by extensor carpi radialis brevis tendon (4 cases). Results were excellent (4 patients), good (10 patients) and fair (3 patients). Patients treated through the Labor Risk Insurance had worse outcomes than those who were not covered by this system.ConclusionsRadial tunnel syndrome is a condition that must be taken into account when there is refractory lateral epicondylalgia. This disease has a marked effect in patients with labor conflict, which may bias the outcome of treatment.