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Radial nerve palsy in an elite bodybuilder
A B Y Ng1, J Borhan, H R Ashton
1Orthopaedic Unit, Royal Preston Hospital, Preston, Lancashire, UK. aaronbyng@hotmail.com
British Journal of Sports Medicine
|March 29, 2003
Summary
Elite bodybuilders can develop radial nerve palsy due to muscle growth. Surgical decompression effectively treated this condition, restoring full function.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Neurology
- Sports Medicine
Background:
- Radial nerve palsy can arise from various causes, including compression.
- Musculoskeletal hypertrophy presents a unique etiological factor in nerve entrapment.
Observation:
- A case of high radial nerve palsy is presented in an elite bodybuilder.
- The palsy was attributed to the extrinsic mass effect of significant muscular hypertrophy.
Findings:
- Surgical decompression was performed to alleviate the nerve compression.
- Complete clinical resolution of the radial nerve palsy was achieved post-surgery.
Implications:
- This case highlights muscular hypertrophy as a potential cause of radial nerve palsy in athletes.
- Prompt surgical intervention can lead to favorable outcomes in such cases.
- Awareness among clinicians is crucial for diagnosing and managing nerve entrapment due to athletic conditioning.
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