Superficial radial nerve: Wartenberg's syndrome

In the distal third of the forearm the superficial branch of the radial nerve emerges between brachioradialis and extensor carpi radialis longus and becomes subcutaneous. Its entrapment is known as Wartenberg's syndrome or cheiralgia paresthetica. This page shows that course in 3D.

Anatomy of the passage

Superficial branch · distal forearm — Plate derived from Z-Anatomy / BodyParts3D · CC BY-SA 4.0

The superficial branch becomes subcutaneous in the distal forearm, near brachioradialis and extensor carpi radialis longus. Its exposure makes it vulnerable to external pressure and scars. Wartenberg's neuropathy affects this sensory branch and does not in itself imply paralysis of the extensors.

Nerve: Radial nerve: arcade of Frohse and superficial branch
Frequency: Described site, less commonly seen.
Type of evidence: Anatomical and clinical review

References

Wu WT, Chang KV, Hsu YC, Tsai YY, Mezian K, Ricci V, Özçakar L. Ultrasound Imaging and Guidance for Distal Peripheral Nerve Pathologies at the Wrist/Hand. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023. PubMed 37296780 · DOI

Ultrasound landmarks

In the distal third of the forearm, the superficial branch of the radial nerve emerges between brachioradialis and extensor carpi radialis longus and runs subcutaneously over the radius towards the dorsum of the hand.