UMEM Educational Pearls

Category: Orthopedics

Title: Handcuff Neuropathy

Keywords: Nerve, wrist (PubMed Search)

Posted: 8/8/2015 by Brian Corwell, MD
Click here to contact Brian Corwell, MD

Handcuff Neuropathy

Compression of the superficial radial nerve against the radius.

Tends to occur with prisoners (too tight cuffs or person struggling)

Usually purely sensory lesion

Nerve regeneration can take 8 weeks (about an inch a month)

Document sensory exam to sharps or 2 point sensation.

DDx: De Quervain's, Carpal tunnel, Gamekeeper's thumb,

No need to splint