Radial Nerve Exam

Look

 

Splints

 

Wasting 

- triceps / extensor forearm

 

Arm up

- axilla / posterior / lateral elbow scars

 

Feel

 

Sensation

 

Axillary nerve - C5 / posterior cord

 

PCNFA

 

LCNF - C6 / Lateral Cord

 

SRN - C6 / Dorsal 1st Web

 

Median C6

- IF

 

State dermatomal or peripheral nerve

 

Move

 

Triceps C7

 

BR / ECRL - Radial Nerve

 

ECRB / EDC / EPL / EI - PIN

 

Supinator 

- elbow extension to eliminate biceps, resist pronation

 

Special Tests

 

Tinels

 

DDx

 

C7 lesion

- triceps power / reflex lost

- good wrist extension (C6)

 

C6 lesion

- triceps intact

- wrist extension lost

 

Posterior cord

- radial nerve + axillary nerve + subscapularis + lat dorsi

 

Site of injury

 

High lesion / no triceps

- Saturday night palsy

 

Intermediate lesion / triceps intact / no BR or ECRL

- humeral fracture

 

Low lesion / PIN Compression (FREAS)

- fascial bands

- recurrent radial

- ECRB

- arcade of Frohse

- exit supinator