Other Compressive Neuropathies

Abstract

Although carpal tunnel syndrome (median nerve compression at the wrist) and cubital tunnel syndrome (ulnar nerve compression at the elbow) represent the vast majority of compressive neuropathies of the upper extremity, there are a host of other compression neuropathies that may affect the shoulder, upper arm, forearm, wrist, and hand. Although less frequent, it is vital to understand these alternative sites of compression and the corresponding syndromes in order to provide a patient with an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan. Keen history taking and a detailed physical examination is paramount in differentiating between different sites of nerve compression, as nerve conduction and electromyographic testing will often fail to identify a subset of etiologies and results can be ambiguous at times. A failure to interpret the true site of nerve compression can lead to erroneous surgical treatment and failure to alleviate symptoms. Questions in this chapter deal with the following less common compressive neuropathies such as suprascapular nerve entrapment, pronator syndrome, radial tunnel syndrome, and Guyon’s canal compression.