ANTERIOR INTEROSSEOUS NERVE SYNDROME

Abstract

The anterior interosseous nerve syndrome was first described in 1948. It comprises less than 1% of all upper extremity nerve palsies. Patients have a characteristic pinch deformity, with paralysis or weakness of the muscles innervated by the anterior interosseous nerve, flexor pollicis longus, radial portion of the flexor digitorum profundus, and pronator quadratus. Electromyograms are positive in most patients presenting with motor complaints. Treatment is related to the specific etiology. Conservative treatment includes avoidance of strenuous forearm work, immobilization, steroid injections, and anti-inflammatory medications. If the presentation suggests nerve compression, and the EMG reveals evidence of axonal interruption, then surgical decompression should be performed. We present a series of six patients seen over a 7-year period. Improvement was noted in all the patients postoperatively.