It occurs when there is damage to the radial nerve, which travels down the arm and supplies movement to the triceps muscle at the back of the upper arm, extension to the wrist, and helps in movement and sensation of the wrist and hand. Dysfunction of a single nerve group such as the radial nerve is classed as mononeuropathy . The usual causes are direct trauma, prolonged pressure on the nerve, and compression of the nerve from nearby body structures.
Entrapment involves pressure on the nerve where it passes through a narrow structure.
In some cases, no detectable cause can be identified. The prevention varies depending on the cause. Avoid prolonged pressure on the upper arm. A neuromuscular examination of the arm, hand and wrist can identify radial nerve dysfunction. A detailed patient history may be needed to determine the possible cause of the neuropathy.