Management of Atraumatic Posterior Interosseous Nerve Palsy

The posterior interosseous nerve (PIN) is susceptible to a number of traumatic and atraumatic pathologies. In this article, we aim to review our current understanding of the etiology, pathology, diagnosis, treatment options, and published outcomes of atraumatic PIN palsy. In general, the etiology of atraumatic PIN palsy can be divided into mechanical, which is caused by an extrinsic compressive force on the nerve, and nonmechanical, which is caused by an intrinsic inflammatory reaction within the nerve. As per this discussion, there are 3 causes for atraumatic PIN palsy. These are entrapment neuropathy, Parsonage-Turner syndrome, and spontaneous “hourglass” constriction. The typical presentation of atraumatic PIN palsy is a patient with spontaneous onset of weakness of fingers/thumb metacarpophalangeal joints extension. However, the wrist extension is preserved with radial deviation due to preservation of extensor carpi radialis longus/brevis function. Magnetic resonance imaging is the imaging of choice and neurophysiology is indicated in all patients. If there is an obvious structural cause of the nerve palsy, prompt decompression and removal of the causative lesion are recommended to avoid irreversible damage to the nerve/muscles. Otherwise, in general, we would recommend consideration for exploration should there be no sign of recovery after 6 weeks of observation.