What is radial nerve palsy?

Also known as: radial nerve injury, radial nerve dysfunction, radial nerve palsy, crutch palsy, Saturday night palsy, wrist drop

The radial nerve is responsible for sensation and movement along the posterior aspect of the arm and hand. Injury to this nerve is referred to as radial nerve palsy, and the symptoms typically include loss of sensation along the posterior aspect of arm, forearm and hand.

Anatomy of the radial nerve of the arm in a flat illustrative style.

What causes radial nerve injuries?

More common causes of injury to the radial nerve include compression from crutches (crutch palsy) or from falling asleep with one’s arm hanging over a chair (Saturday night palsy). In both cases, the nerve gets compressed/squeezed in the armpit or against the humerus, the upper arm bone. A more severe injury to the radial nerve can occur from humerus fractures.

Reviewed by: Aaron Berger, MD

This page was last updated on: 1/29/2019 3:21:13 PM