Radial Nerve Palsy
What is Radial Nerve Palsy?
Radial nerve palsy is a paralysis of the radial nerve. This crucial nerve in the arm is responsible for extending the elbow, wrist, and fingers.
The classic and highly debilitating primary symptom is known as wrist drop. The loss of this nerve function leads to severe limitations in both professional and daily life:
- Inability to extend the wrist and fingers
- Significantly reduced grip strength, as the wrist cannot be stabilized
- Sensory disturbances or numbness on the back of the hand and thumb
Our Surgical Treatments
If neurological examinations indicate that the nerve will not recover on its own, we offer highly specialized surgical procedures to restore your grip function.
Nerve Reconstruction: In the first few months following the injury, we can microscopically repair the nerve or bridge gaps using nerve grafts. Modern nerve transfers are also successfully utilized during this window.
Tendon Transfers: If repairing the nerve is no longer viable, we perform tendon transfers. This involves detouring the tendons of functioning flexor muscles to the paralyzed extensor muscles. The result is a rapid and reliable restoration of hand function.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes radial nerve palsy?
The most common causes are compression injuries (e.g., "Saturday night palsy"), humerus bone fractures in the upper arm, or severe lacerations. Chronic pressure or inflammation can also damage the nerve.
Can a wrist drop heal on its own?
Yes, if it is a pure compression injury, the nerve often recovers within weeks to a few months (spontaneous remission). However, if the nerve is severed or severely crushed, surgical intervention is necessary.
When is the right time for surgery?
For open injuries, surgery should be performed immediately. For closed injuries, we often wait 3 to 6 months for spontaneous recovery, monitored by nerve conduction studies (EMG). If recovery fails to occur, timely reconstruction is highly recommended.
What is a tendon transfer surgery?
If the radial nerve is irreparably damaged, we can detour intact muscles supplied by other nerves. Through this tendon transfer, these muscles take over the function of the paralyzed extensors, allowing you to lift your wrist and fingers again.