Radial tunnel syndrome is one of many pathologies of the upper extremity that may
be caused by repetitive motion. It results from compression of the posterior interosseous
nerve and can be a pure pain syndrome or have associated weakness of the wrist and
digit extensors. This study examined the incidence of other upper extremity pathology
in patients with a diagnosis of radial tunnel syndrome. The medical records of four
surgeons' patients with a diagnosis of radial tunnel syndrome were reviewed. The presence
of other co-morbidities of the ipsilateral side were included.
One hundred twenty-three patients were included. They had a total of 173 co-morbidities:
74 (54.8%) had carpal tunnel syndrome; 30 (22.2%) had cubital tunnel syndrome; 5 (3.7%)
had pronator syndrome; 8 (5.9%) had Guyon's canal syndrome; 2 (1.5%) had medial epicondylitis;
35 (25.9%) had lateral epicondylitis; 7 (5.2%) had Wartenberg's syndrome; 5 (3.7%)
had DeQuervain's tenosynovitis; 3 (2.2%) had trigger finger; and 1 (0.7%) each had
basilar joint arthritis, anterior interosseous nerve syndrome, and a mass compressing
the radial nerve.
The study showed that other co-morbidities, often also related to repetitive motion,
were frequently seen in patients with radial tunnel syndrome and should be carefully
evaluated on physical examination or diagnostic study.
