Dorsal Radial Sensory (Superficial Radial) Nerve Exam

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 form 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.
When examining the dorsal radial sensation, use light touch and compare the patients injured side to the uninjured side.
Two point discrimination is not useful on the dorsum of the hand.

Diagrams & Photos

Key Points

Note dorsal distal sensation distal to the Thumb IP joints is provided by the median nerve’s 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.