Prognosis of acute compressive radial neuropathy

INTRODUCTION: Small published case series suggest that compressive radial neuropathy is often a self-limited phenomenon with a favorable prognosis. Due to paucity of data, we sought to clearly define prognosis. METHODS: To define clinical and electrodiagnostic features in this condition, we retrospectively reviewed consecutive cases of compressive radial neuropathy confirmed using electrodiagnostic studies at a large tertiary center over a 10-year period. RESULTS: A total of 51 patients (26 men, 25 women, mean age 46 years ± 15; range, 19-83 years) with compressive radial neuropathy were identified and reviewed. All patients in whom clinical follow-up was available (23 [45%] of the 51 patients identified) experienced complete recovery. Mean duration from onset to resolution of symptoms was 3.4 months. CONCLUSIONS: Our results support a good prognosis in essentially all patients with acute compressive radial neuropathies. This report provides valuable information to assist in counseling patients who may present with profound clinical deficits.