condition presents with similar lateral elbow pain to lateral epicondylitis; however the site of maximal pain lies 4 finger breadths distal to the common extensor origin
condition is caused by entrapment of the posterior interosseus nerve within the radial tunnel
posterior interosseus nerve is a branch of the radial nerve. It is a pure motor nerve with no sensory component, hence - unlike other entrapment neuropathies - there is no pins and needles or sensory deficit
there may be weakness of digital extensors
Investigation
radial tunnel syndrome is a clinical diagnosis and should be considered in patients presenting with resistant lateral epicondylitis
nerve conduction and electromyography studies have high specificity but low sensitivity
Management
involves avoidance of aggravating factors and physiotherapy
resistant cases should be referred for surgical decompression of the radial tunnel
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