Cheiralgia paresthetica

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Cheiralgia paresthetica
Other namesWartenberg's syndrome
Radial nerve
SpecialtyNeurology

Cheiralgia paraesthetica (Wartenberg's syndrome) is a

trauma to the superficial branch of the radial nerve.[1][2] The area affected is typically on the back or side of the hand at the base of the thumb, near the anatomical snuffbox, but may extend up the back of the thumb and index finger and across the back of the hand.[1][3] Symptoms include numbness, tingling, burning or pain. Since the nerve branch is sensory there is no motor impairment.[3] It may be distinguished from de Quervain syndrome because it is not dependent on motion of the hand or fingers.[4]

Cause

The most common cause is thought to be constriction of the wrist, as with a bracelet or watchband (hence reference to "wristwatch neuropathy"). It is especially associated with the use of handcuffs and is therefore commonly referred to as handcuff neuropathy. Other injuries or surgery in the wrist area can also lead to symptoms, including surgery for other syndromes such as de Quervain's.[5] The exact etiology is unknown, as it is unclear whether direct pressure by the constricting item is alone responsible, or whether edema associated with the constriction also contributes.[3]

Diagnosis

Symptoms commonly resolve on their own within several months when the constriction is removed;

NSAIDs are commonly prescribed.[4] In some cases surgical decompression is required.[4] The efficacy of cortisone and laser treatment is disputed.[4]
Permanent damage is possible.

History

This neuropathy was first identified by

ICD-9 354.3), but studies and papers continue to use the older term to distinguish it from more extensive neuropathies originating in the forearm.[citation needed
]

See also

References

  1. ^ a b Buttaravoli, Philip M.; Stair, Thomas O. "9.20 Cheiralgia Paresthetica (Handcuff Neuropathy)". Common Simple Emergencies. Washington: Longwood Information. Archived from the original on 2019-01-20. Retrieved 2010-09-16.
  2. doi:10.1007/BF02909851
    .
  3. ^ a b c Pećina, Marko; Krmpotić-Nemanić, Jelena; Markiewitz, Andrew D. (2001). "Chapter 26: Syndrome of the Superficial Branch of the Radial Nerve". Tunnel syndromes: peripheral nerve compression syndromes. CRC Press. pp. 152–155.
  4. ^
    PMID 19969199. Archived from the original
    (PDF) on 2016-03-03. Retrieved 2010-09-16.
  5. ^ Chodoroff, G.; Honet, J. C. (Sep 1985). "Cheiralgia paresthetica and linear atrophy as a complication of local steroid injection". Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. 66 (9): 637–639.
    PMID 4038032
    .
  6. ^ Braidwood, A. S. (1975). "Superficial Radial Neuropathy". Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery. 57-B (3): 380–383.
    doi:10.1302/0301-620X.57B3.380
    .
  7. ^ Grant, Arthur C.; Cook, Albert A. (2000). "A Prospective Study of Handcuff Neuropathies" (PDF). Muscle and Nerve. 23 (6): 933–938.
    S2CID 45600162. Archived from the original
    (PDF) on 2011-07-08.
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