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Wartenberg syndrome should not be confused with Wartenberg sign, which is slightly greater abduction of the fifth digit, due to paralysis of the abducting palmar interosseous muscle and unopposed action of the radial innervated extensor muscles. Spontaneous resolution of Wartenberg syndrome is common.
- Introduction
- Background
- Anatomy
- Pathophysiology
- Differential Diagnosis
- Management
Wartenberg's Syndrome is described as the entrapment of the superficial branch of the radial nerve with only sensory manifestations and no motor deficits. In this condition, the patient reports pain over the distal radial forearm associated with paresthesia over the dorsal radial hand.This should not be confused with Wartenberg's Sign which refers ...
In 1932, Wartenberg described five cases of isolated neuropathy of the Superficial Radial Nerve (SRN) . He was so impressed by the similarity to the isolated involvement of the lateral cutaneous nerve of the thigh, Meralgia Paraesthetica, that he suggested the name Cheiralgia Paraesthetica. The condition is sometimes referred to as Wartenberg's Dis...
The SRN is the superficial sensory branch of the radial nerve. After the radial nerve bifurcates into the SRN and Posterior Interosseous Nerve (PIN), the SRN courses distally into the forearm deep to the brachioradialis. Approximately 9 cm proximal to the radial styloid, the SRN becomes a subcutaneous structure by traveling between the brachioradia...
The SRN can be compressed at any point along its course in the forearm, but it is believed to be at greatest risk at the posterior border of the brachioradialis as the nerve transitions from a deep to a subcutaneous structure. Trauma is also a common etiology for SRN compression, which can occur from direct pressure on the nerve (i.e. by a wristban...
Patients with SRN compression typically report pain or dysesthesias on the dorsal radial forearm radiating to the thumb and index finger, although the distribution of symptoms may vary owing to differences in anatomy. When such sensory disturbances present concomitantly with weakness of the PIN-innervated muscles, the clinician should consider alte...
Conservative Management
Patience is the cornerstone of therapy in patients with SRN compression symptomatology because spontaneous resolution is common. As external compression is a common underlying etiology, removal of the inciting element such as a wristwatch or bracelet is an essential component of nonsurgical management. Additionally, rest, splinting, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are appropriate first-line treatments.
Physiotherapy Management
Owing to the subcutaneous location of the SRN, a number of noninvasive therapeutic modalities centered around peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) have been studied for the treatment of nerve pain, including pulsed low-intensity infrared laser, as well as direct electrical stimulation. The use of PNS to treat neuropathic pain is based on the gate control theory of pain. Although this theory has found support in the medical literature and is certainly intriguing, there is mixed evidence supporti...
Injection
The role of corticosteroid injection is less clear. Lanzetta and Foucher (1993) reported a 71% success rate in 29 patients who underwent conservative management alone, which was defined as removal of a tight watch strap, splinting, and, in 3 cases, a corticosteroid injection.
Nov 8, 2023 · Description. Compression mononeuropathy of the superficial branch of radial nerve in the distal forearm. Radial nerve, arises from C5–8, provides motor function to the extensors of the forearm, wrist, and fingers. Provides motor function for supinators of forearm.
Wartenberg's syndrome is a specific mononeuropathy, caused by entrapment of the superficial branch of the radial nerve. Symptoms include numbness, tingling, and weakness of the posterior aspect of the thumb.
Aug 25, 2021 · Wartenberg syndrome, also known as cheiralgia paresthetica, is due to compression of the superficial branch of the radial nerve in the distal forearm and a rare nerve compression neuropathy.
Jul 24, 2019 · Wartenberg’s syndrome is a peripheral neuropathy caused by entrapment of the superficial radial nerve (SRN), presenting with paresthesia in the nerve distribution [1]....
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What is Wartenberg's syndrome?
Is conservative treatment effective for Wartenberg's syndrome?
What is Wartenberg syndrome with Tinel's sign?
Wartenberg’s syndrome is a peripheral neuropathy caused by entrapment of the superficial radial nerve (SRN), presenting with paresthesia in the nerve distribution [1]. Currently, there are no established guidelines or recommendations for the proper treatment of this condition.
