UMEM Educational Pearls

Title: Handcuff Neuropathy

Category: Orthopedics

Keywords: Nerve, wrist (PubMed Search)

Posted: 8/8/2015 by Brian Corwell, MD
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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