Dorsal Radial Sensory (Superficial Radial) Nerve Anatomy
- Dorsal radial sensory (superficial radial) nerve supplies sensation to dorsal aspect of the thumb
- Dorsal radial sensory (superficial radial) nerve also supplies sensation to the dorsal aspect of the index, long, and radial half of the ring finger
- Dorsal radial sensory (superficial radial) nerve originates from the posterior cord of the brachial plexus which originates from the C5 to T1 cervical roots
- In the forearm the dorsal radial sensory (superficial radial) nerve runs under the brachioradialis muscle and lateral to the radial artery
Diagrams & Photos
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Dorsal Radial Sensory (Superficial Radial) Nerve (arrows) -
Dorsal Radial Sensory (Superficial Radial) Nerve -
Dorsal Radial Sensory (Superficial Radial) Nerve seen in incision for DeQuervain's tenosynovitis release -
Wartenberg's Syndrome
Key Points
- Note dorsal distal sensation distal to the DIP joints is provided by the median and ulnar nerves' dorsal terminal branches.
- Dorsal radial sensory (superficial radial) nerve enters the subcutaneous tissues approximately 9 cm proximal to the radial styloid where the nerve exits the sub-muscular plane between the brachioradialis muscle (BR) and the tendon of the extensor carpi radialis longus (ECRL).
- The dorsal radial sensory (superficial radial) nerve can be entrapped at this location. The result can be a compression neuropathy called Wartenberg's Syndrome.
- Wartenberg's Syndrome can cause pain, paresthesias, tingling and/or numbness on the radial aspect of the wrist and dorsum of the thumb.