Causes
There are many ways to acquire radial nerve palsy.
The term Saturday Night Palsy refers to an injury to the radial nerve in the spiral groove of the humerus caused while sleeping in a position that would under normal circumstances cause discomfort. It can occur when a person falls asleep while heavily medicated and/or under the influence of alcohol with the underside of the arm compressed by a bar edge, bench, chair back, or like object. Sleeping with the head resting on the arm can also cause radial nerve palsy.
Breaking the humerus and deep puncture wounds can also cause the condition.
Posterior interosseus palsy is distinguished from radial nerve palsy by the preservation of wrist extension.
Read more about this topic: Radial Neuropathy