The distal posterior interosseous nerve syndrome is a cause of chronic dorsal wrist pain.
Clinical features:
(1) dorsal wrist (palm is ventral)
(2) point tenderness of the fourth extensor compartment
(3) dorsal wrist pain occurs with extreme wrist extension
(4) some patients have pain with wrist flexion
(5) relief of pain by lidocaine block of the terminal branch of the posterior interosseous nerve at the wrist joint
The nerve:
(1) may be enlarged and compressed
(2) may have adhesions with the joint capsule
