Current concepts of surgical approach for radial nerve entrapment around the elbow

Radial nerve entrapment is an uncommon diagnosis. The entrapment can occur at any location within the course of the nerve distribution, but the most frequent location of entrapment occurs around the elbow and involves the posterior interosseous nerve. Several potential sites of radial nerve entrapment around the elbow are identified: the capsular tissue of the radiocapitellar joint; hypertrophic crossing branches of leash of henry; the leading proximal tendinous and medial edge of ECRB; the arcade of Frohse and distal border of the supinator between its two heads. The arcade of Frohse is the most common site of compression. The aim of this manuscript is to describe the common surgical methods to approach the radial nerve entrapments around the elbow and define the preferred surgical approach based on the site of compression. Current concepts Radial nerve entrapment is an uncommon diagnosis. The entrapment can occur at any location within the course of the nerve distribution, but the most frequent location of entrapment occurs around the elbow involving the posterior interosseous nerve branch. The diagnosis is based on clinical examination, history and electrodiagnostic studies and different provocative maneuvers that elicited pain. Future Perspectives Surgical exploration and decompression may be carried out along the course of the nerve. Different surgical approaches can be used for the management of radial nerve entrapments around the elbow. An adequate preoperative evaluation of compression level may help determine the most suitable surgical approach in order to treat the entrapment with minimal damage to the surrounding tissues.