Prognosis of acute compressive radial neuropathy

Abstract

Small published case series suggest that compressive radial neuropathy is often a self-limited phenomenon with a favorable prognosis. Due to paucity of data, we sought to clearly define prognosis. To define clinical and electrodiagnostic features in this condition, we retrospectively reviewed consecutive cases of compressive radial neuropathy confirmed using electrodiagnostic studies at a large tertiary center over a 10-year period. A total of 51 patients (26 men, 25 women, mean age 46 years ± 15; range, 19-83 years) with compressive radial neuropathy were identified and reviewed. All patients in whom clinical follow-up was available (23 [45%] of the 51 patients identified) experienced complete recovery. Mean duration from onset to resolution of symptoms was 3.4 months. Our results support a good prognosis in essentially all patients with acute compressive radial neuropathies. This report provides valuable information to assist in counseling patients who may present with profound clinical deficits.