Radial nerve compression at the level of the humerus is uncommon and occurs at the spiral groove. The radial nerve has an anatomical course proximal below the lateral intermuscular septum and continues distal between the brachialis and brachioradialis muscles. The entrapment point involves the tendinous lateral intermuscular septum and provocative tests will be positive at this. This is a location that is prone to radial nerve injury during humeral factures. Release of the radial nerve at this level involves dividing the lateral intermuscular septum, while protecting the posterior brachial and antebrachial cutaneous nerves that have an adjacent course to the radial nerve proper. The surgical approach involves dissecting the interval between the brachialis and brachioradialis to identify the radial nerve. In this case, the patient presented with pain originating from the neck that radiated along the course of the posterior division and radial nerve. Her C-spine surgery failed and was referred to our institution. Positive provocative tests included the neck, spiral groove, arcade of Frohse, and radial sensory nerve entrapment. The hierarchical scratch collapse test was used. Radial nerve releases were elected at three sites of entrapment in the upper extremity. This video details the release at the spiral groove.
Table of Contents (Standard)
00:25 Incision
02:22 Interval between the Brachialis and Brachioradialis
02:45 Identifying the Radial Nerve
03:23 Identifying the Brachioradialis Branch of Radial Nerve
03:36 Proximal Extension of Incision
04:10 Identifying the Lateral Intermuscular Septum and Posterior Cutaneous Branches
05:37 Dividing the Lateral Intermuscular Septum
08:11 Release of the Radial Nerve at the Spiral Groove
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