Understanding the condition
The radial nerve supplies muscles that straighten the wrist and fingers and provides sensation to part of the hand. Injury can follow trauma, compression or an operation, with symptoms depending on the part of the nerve affected.
What might you notice?
- Difficulty lifting the wrist or straightening the fingers.
- Reduced hand function during gripping and release.
- Altered sensation over part of the back of the hand.
These symptoms can have more than one cause. A clinical assessment is needed to establish the diagnosis.
Specialist assessment
Assessment combines the injury history, an examination of movement and sensation, and review of any fracture or surgical treatment. Serial examination, nerve tests and targeted imaging may help assess recovery.
Your treatment options
A splint and therapy may help protect movement and support function during recovery. Depending on the injury, options may include observation, nerve exploration, repair, grafting or transfer. Tendon transfers may be considered when recovery is limited.
Common questions
Is wrist drop always permanent?
No. Recovery depends on the cause and severity of the nerve injury. Clinical monitoring helps distinguish recovering injuries from those needing further treatment.
Can function be improved after a longstanding injury?
A specialist review can assess whether reconstructive options, including tendon transfers, may be appropriate.
General patient information from London Nerve Injury. Decisions about investigations and treatment require an individual clinical assessment.