[Compression of the posterior branch of the radial nerve. An unknown etiology of certain paralysis and certain refractory epicondylalgies].

In certain circumstances, compression of the posterior branch of the radial nerve (posterior interosseous nerve) may be caused either by transverse fibrous bands in front of the articular capsule of the elbow, by the anterior border of the 2nd radial, by Frohse's lugament or by the superficial part of supinator brevis. Such problems may be accentuated by repeated dorsal flexion movements of the wrist, with hyperextension of the elbow and above all in prosupination. Clinically, they may result in either complete paralysis (2 cases), or in a syndrome of refractory epicondylar pain with nerve involvement (4 cases). The approach described by the authors permits complete exploration of all the potential points of compression and good results were obtained in the five patients who underwent surgery.