An anatomical variant of the superficial branch of the radial nerve in Wartenberg's syndrome

摘要

Compression of the superficial branch of the radial nerve (SBRN) as it passes from beneath the musculo-tendinous junction of the brachioradialis (BR) and the tendon of extensor carpi radialis longus (ECRL) was described by Wartenberg in 1932, after whom the syndrome is named. The anatomy of the SBRN has been extensively described along with its more common variants.We report the case of a 28-year-old female with signs and symptoms consistent with a SBRN compression, who underwent operative decompression. Intra-operatively it was noted that the main part of the SBRN travelled in its usual place deep to the BR before emerging from under the tendon 6 cm above the radial styloid. At this level there was a condensation of the deep fascia passing in a transverse direction between the ECRL and BR.