Radial nerve palsy: a complication of walker usage

A patient with diabetic peripheral neuropathy experienced the acute onset of a proximal radial nerve palsy after prolonged use of a walker. Nerve conduction and electromyographic studies confirmed an isolated, severe neurapraxic lesion distal to branches innervating the triceps and anconeus muscles. The acute onset and severity of this lesion suggests that it was caused by mechanical compression of the radial nerve as it exits the spiral groove. Radial mononeuropathy has been reported in conjunction with muscular effort of the triceps muscle. Previous case studies and a review of the literature are discussed. Awareness of this complication in patients using walkers and wheelchairs is important for prevention and diagnosis in rehabilitation.