Forearm pain secondary to compression syndrome of the lateral cutaneous nerve of the forearm

This report describes a syndrome of compression of the lateral cutaneous nerve of the forearm (LCNF), the distal termination of the musculocutaneous nerve. Three patients presented with pain or numbness along the radial aspect of the distal forearm. There was a history of vigorous upper extremity ex...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inArchives of physical medicine and rehabilitation Vol. 65; no. 3; p. 139
Main Authors Felsenthal, G, Mondell, D L, Reischer, M A, Mack, R H
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published United States 01.03.1984
Subjects
Adult
Electrodiagnosis
Female
Forearm - innervation
Humans
Male
Musculocutaneous Nerve - injuries
Nerve Compression Syndromes - complications
Nerve Compression Syndromes - diagnosis
Nerve Compression Syndromes - therapy
Pain - etiology
Pain Management
Transcutaneous Electric Nerve Stimulation
Ultrasonics
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Summary:This report describes a syndrome of compression of the lateral cutaneous nerve of the forearm (LCNF), the distal termination of the musculocutaneous nerve. Three patients presented with pain or numbness along the radial aspect of the distal forearm. There was a history of vigorous upper extremity exercise with elbow extension and arm pronation or resisted elbow flexion. Signs included: decreased sensation to pin and light touch in the distal forearm over the cutaneous distribution of the nerve; tenderness to palpation over the nerve where it pierces the deep fascia of the arm lateral to the bicipital tendon and proximal to the elbow crease; and decreased elbow extension with arm fully pronated. Electrodiagnostic studies revealed either a prolonged distal latency or decrease in amplitude of the evoked response of the lateral cutaneous nerve of the forearm in the symptomatic arm. Patients responded to treatment directed to the site of the lesion where the nerve pierces the deep fascia of the arm. Treatment methods included: restriction of upper extremity activity, use of a posterior splint to restrict elbow extension, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), ultrasound, and surgical decompression. This syndrome may be readily differentiated from other causes of pain along the distal radial aspect of the forearm, making accurate diagnosis and treatment possible.
ISSN:0003-9993