G56.3: Lesion of radial nerve

Nerves are a sort of wiring in the body. Nerves conduct information. The nerves use electrical impulses to do this. Nerves are important, for instance, in enabling you to sense contacts and temperatures, and to move your muscles.

The radial nerve runs the entire length of the arm, from the shoulder to the hand. The radial nerve enables you to, for example, extend your arm at the elbow joint. The radial nerve also extends the hand at the wrist. In so doing, the hand moves towards the back of the hand. The radial nerve also extends the fingers. The radial nerve is also responsible for sensation in part of the back of one’s hand. The nerve may be damaged due to injuries or to pressure, for example. The damage may be lasting or temporary.

When the radial nerve is damaged it can cause a tingling or numbness in the back of the hand. It may also no longer be possible to move the fingers, hand or arm as well as normal. When there is damage to the wrist or forearm you may no longer be able to extend your fingers. When there is damage above the elbow you may no longer be able to move your hand towards the back of your hand. This is also known as wrist drop. In addition, if the radial nerve is damaged in the upper arm or shoulder, you may no longer be able to extend your arm at the elbow.