Which area is affected by radial nerve compression?

Which area is affected by radial nerve compression?

• A. Paresthesi a of Digits 4-5
• B. Paresthesia of Thumb dorsum
• C. Paresthesia of Pinky
• D. Paresthesia of Palm

Answer: (B)

Radial nerve compression typically affects the dorsoradial aspect of the hand, because the radial nerve provides sensation to the dorsum of the hand, especially the thumb area and the dorsal surfaces of the index and middle fingers. That makes the dorsum of the thumb the most likely area to feel paresthesias. The other areas described are not primarily supplied by the radial nerve: the little finger and the ring finger’s dorsal aspects are mainly served by the ulnar nerve; the palm is supplied by the median and ulnar nerves rather than the radial nerve.

Radial nerve compression typically affects the dorsoradial aspect of the hand, because the radial nerve provides sensation to the dorsum of the hand, especially the thumb area and the dorsal surfaces of the index and middle fingers. That makes the dorsum of the thumb the most likely area to feel paresthesias.

The other areas described are not primarily supplied by the radial nerve: the little finger and the ring finger’s dorsal aspects are mainly served by the ulnar nerve; the palm is supplied by the median and ulnar nerves rather than the radial nerve.