Evaluation of a Peripheral Nerve Injury

Clinical and electromyographic examinations were performed periodically to study the triceps, brachioradialis, extensor carpi radialis longus, extensor digitorum communis, extensor indicis proprius, and extensor pollicis longus muscles because of their anatomical distal progression of innervation by the radial nerve. The median, ulnar, and axillary nerves were tested to rule out brachial plexus injury. The regeneration of a complete radial nerve palsy was traced electrically through its entire course of regeneration. Results of the study demonstrate the value of electromyography and motor nerve conduction velocity tests in the diagnosis and prognosis of a peripheral nerve injury.