[Compressive radial nerve palsy induced by military shooting training--a case report]

A newly recruited soldier suffered a sudden onset of wrist-drop of left hand and numbness on the back of thumb after a military training course in target shooting. An examination disclosed decreased muscle power (0/5) in the left wrist dorsiflexion, disturbance of pain-temperature sensation on the radial side of left hand and absence of the deep tendon reflex of brachioradialis. Electrophysiological studies showed slowness of motor conduction velocity, delay of distal latency and reduced amplitude. EMG revealed fibrillation over the extensor digitorium communis (EDC) at rest, brachioradialis and prolongation of polyphasic MUAPs over EDC. Left radial nerve mononeuropathy induced by mechanical compression of the radial nerve on the spiral groove of humerus was conspicuous. We attempted to discuss the disease etiology, electrophysiological findings and treatment.