Peripheral Nerve Injuries: Understanding Wrist Drop

Pathophysiology

Wrist drop, clinically known as radial nerve palsy, results from damage to the radial nerve, leading to weakness or paralysis of the wrist and finger extensors. The radial nerve arises from the brachial plexus and supplies the posterior compartment of the arm and forearm.

Clinical Presentation

• Inability to extend the wrist and fingers
• Weak grip strength
• Sensory deficits in the dorsum of the hand
• Characteristic ‘wrist drop’ appearance

Management

Management depends on the etiology of the injury:

Conservative Management

• Physical therapy and splinting
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for pain relief

Surgical Intervention

• Nerve grafting for severe cases
• Tendon transfers for function restoration