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LOCATION OF CORD AND SPINAL ROOT:

The radial nerve originates from the posterior cord of the brachial plexus with the roots from C5, C6, C7,
C8 and T1.

STRUCTURES SERVED BY THE NERVE:

Triceps brachii, anconeus and extensor muscles of the forearm; skin of the posterior arm and forearm,
lateral two-thirds of dorsum of hand, and fingers over proximal and middle phalanges.

STRUCTURES THAT THE NERVE TRAVELS AND /OR ARE PIERCED BY THE NERVE:

From the brachial plexus, it travels posteriorly through what is often called the triangular
interval then enters the arm behind the axillary artery/brachial artery, and it then travels
posteriorly on the medial side of the arm. After giving off branches to the long and medial
heads of the triceps brachii, it enters a groove on the humerus, the radial sulcus. Then it winds
around in the groove (between the medial and lateral heads of the triceps) towards the
forearm, running laterally on the posterior aspect of the humerus. While in the groove, it gives
off a branch to the lateral head of the triceps brachii. The radial nerve then emerges from the
groove on the lateral aspect of the humerus where it pierces the lateral intramuscular septum
and enters the anterior compartment of the arm. It continues its journey inferiorly between the
brachialis and brachioradialis muscles. When the radial nerve reaches the distal part of the
humerus, it passes anterior to the lateral epicondyle and continues in the forearm. Here, it
branches into a superficial branch (primarily sensory) and a deep branch (primarily motor). The
superficial branch descends in the forearm under the brachioradialis. It eventually pierces the
deep fascia near the back of the wrist. It provides sensory innervations to much of the back of the
hand, including the web of skin between the thumb and index finger. The deep branch pierces the
supinator muscle, after which it is known as the posterior interosseous nerve.

COMMON NERVE PATHOLOGIES:

The usual causes are direct trauma, prolonged pressure on the nerve, or compression of the
nerve caused by swelling or injury of nearby body structures. A fracture or pressure on the
upper arm from arm positions during sleep or coma are also common problems. The radial
nerve may be injured at the axilla by direct pressure, such as "crutch palsy," caused by
improper use of crutches, or pressure caused by hanging the arm over the back of a chair.
"Saturday-night palsy" is a term for an injury that occurs to the radial nerve during deep sleep,
such as that which may occur when a person is intoxicated. Prolonged or repeated constriction
of the wrist (caused by wearing a tight watch strap, for example) may also cause an injury to
terminal portions of the radial nerve.