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Radial nerve anatomy (illustrations)

Case contributed by Matt Skalski
Diagnosis not applicable

Radial nerve anatomy at the level of the elbow. The arcade of Froshe and radial tunnel through the supinator are common sites of entrapment of the posterior interosseous nerve. The leash of Henry may also occasionally cause compression. 

Radial nerve anatomy at the level of the humerus.

The lateral intermuscular septum of the arm is formed by a convergence of the deep fascial surrounding the musculature, through which the radial nerve must pass. At the site of perforation, the radial nerve may become entrapped.

The radial nerve takes a spiral course over the mid-humerus, passing from anterior to posterior proximally, wrapping around the medial head of the triceps deep to the lateral head, and then moves anterior again distally as it passes thorough the lateral intermuscular septum. The lateral head is partially transparent to show this course. 

Annotated image

Radial nerve anatomy at the shoulder, showing the nerve pass through the triangular interval, formed by the teres major, long head of the triceps, and medial border of the humerus.

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