[Surgical decompression of the superficial radial nerve: Wartenberg syndrome].
OBJECTIVE
Open decompression of the superficial radial nerve is performed at the distal forearm in cases of circumscript entrapment. Broad-based entrapments can be treated by endoscopically assisted decompression.


METHODS
Entrapment of the nerve along its course between the brachioradialis and extensor carpi radialis longus muscles or tendons. Persistent neuropathic pain with Tinel's sign. Numbness distal to the entrapment in accordance to nerval innervation. Futile conservative treatment. Pathological electrophysiological findings.


METHODS
Endogeneous neuropathy, bleeding disorders, anticoagulation medication.


METHODS
Longitudinal skin incision at the Tinel's sign at the forearm. The subcutaneous tissue is dissected until forearm fascia is detected. The fascia is opened cautiously under direct visualization and the superficial radial nerve is identified. In cases of broad-based entrapments, endoscopically assisted decompression can be performed. The dissector with attached optical device is introduced proximally and distally. Blunt mobilization using the dissector and preparation with the Metzenbaum scissors release the superficial radial nerve sufficiently.


METHODS
Bandaging allowing immediate motion, removal of sutures after 14 days, avoidance of excessive use for 2 weeks.


RESULTS
Surgical decompression of the superficial radial nerve yields good to excellent results regarding pain reduction and sensory function.
Handchirurgie, Vulpius Klinik, Vulpiusstraße 29, 74906, Bad Rappenau, Deutschland. christianspies27@gmail.com.
C K
CK
Spies
Klinik und Poliklinik für Orthopädie und Unfallchirurgie, Universitätsklinikum Köln, Köln, Deutschland.
L P
LP
Müller
Klinik und Poliklinik für Orthopädie und Unfallchirurgie, Universitätsklinikum Köln, Köln, Deutschland.
J
J
Oppermann
Institut I für Anatomie, Medizinische Fakultät, Köln, Deutschland.
W F
WF
Neiss
Handchirurgie, Vulpius Klinik, Vulpiusstraße 29, 74906, Bad Rappenau, Deutschland.
P
P
Hahn
Handchirurgie, Vulpius Klinik, Vulpiusstraße 29, 74906, Bad Rappenau, Deutschland.|Medizinische Fakultät Mannheim, Universität Heidelberg, Mannheim, Deutschland.
F
F
Unglaub
D019299:Decompression, Surgical / Q000379:methods*; D004724:Endoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D009408:Nerve Compression Syndromes / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000601:surgery*; D019635:Neurosurgical Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D011826:Radial Nerve / Q000601:surgery*
Endoscopic surgical procedure; Endoscopy; Forearm; Nerve compression syndromes; Nerve entrapments