Dr. Steven Rueda is one of the most sought after doctors for radial tunnel syndrome in Palm Beach. Radial Tunnel Syndrome is an elbow condition affecting a nerve in the forearm and elbow. This nerve is called the “radial nerve”, and is responsible for providing sensation to the back of the hand and wrist. It also provides nerves to the muscles in the forearm that help extend the fingers, thumb, and wrist.
WHAT CAUSES RADIAL TUNNEL SYNDROME?
The condition receives the name “radial tunnel” because of the location where the nerve is pinched in the forearm. The radial tunnel is formed by structures including bone, muscles, and blood vessels. As the nerve travels through the tunnel it gets pinched by any one of these structures and causes symptoms. The most common symptom of radial tunnel syndrome is forearm pain; numbness and tingling are not typical of this condition unlike in other nerve compressions.
RADIAL TUNNEL SYNDROME PROCEDURE
Success with radial tunnel surgery is variable, but most patients feel some degree of relief. The procedure frees the nerve from the structures that are causing pinching and leads to improvement in symptoms.
Incisions
A single incision starting on the outer arm, passing through the elbow, and extending into the forearm. Usually its 8-10cms in length
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Unfortunately radial tunnel syndrome is frequently misdiagnosed as tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis). In tennis elbow the majority of the tenderness occurs at the tendon insertion into the outer elbow bones. The tenderness in radial tunnel is farther down than the elbow, usually about 2 inches. In cases where the diagnosis is difficult to differentiate, a diagnostic injection with local anesthesia into the radial tunnel can confirm the presence of radial tunnel over lateral epicondylitis.
Patients with classic history, symptoms, and exam who have failed conservative treatment are good candidates for the procedure.
Complications are very rare in radial tunnel surgery; it is a very safe procedure. Some of the uncommon risks include infection and bleeding of the surgical site. There are also other major complications that are very unlikely including persistent pain and nerve injury.