Upper Extremity Compression Neuropathies and Introduction to Compartment Syndrome — Median, Ulnar, Radial Nerve, and Fasciotomy Principles

This episode reviews the core principles of upper extremity compression neuropathies and acute compartment syndrome, focusing on nerve pathophysiology, anatomic compression sites, diagnosis, and surgical treatment.Topics include the progression from venous congestion to intraneural edema, ischemia, demyelination, and axonal loss, with emphasis on physical exam findings such as Tinel sign, Semmes-Weinstein monofilaments, static two-point discrimination, and the scratch collapse test. The episode also discusses the limitations of EMG and nerve conduction studies, emphasizing the principle: treat the patient, not the test.Major compression syndromes are reviewed by nerve, including carpal tunnel syndrome, pronator syndrome, AIN syndrome, cubital tunnel syndrome, Guyon canal syndrome, radial tunnel syndrome, PIN syndrome, and Wartenberg syndrome. Key diagnostic pearls include thenar sparing, the palmar cutaneous branch, the O sign, Froment sign, Jeanne sign, Wartenberg sign, dorsal ulnar cutaneous sensation, and the arcade of Frohse.Acute compartment syndrome is discussed as a surgical emergency, including pain with passive stretch, the danger of waiting for pulselessness, pressure thresholds, forearm and hand fasciotomy principles, Volkmann ischemic contracture, postoperative nerve gliding, CRPS, and the double crush phenomenon. Part of Dr. Lara’s Plastic Surgery Compendium — a high-yield audio reference for plastic surgery trainees and surgeons.DisclaimerThis podcast is intended for educational purposes only and is designed for medical students, residents, fellows, and practicing healthcare professionals. It is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment for any individual patient. The content presented reflects general surgical principles and should not be used as a substitute for formal medical training, clinical judgment, or consultation with qualified healthcare professionals. Listening to this podcast does not establish a physician–patient relationship.SEO / Topic Keywordsupper extremity compression neuropathy, carpal tunnel syndrome, pronator syndrome, anterior interosseous nerve syndrome, AIN syndrome, cubital tunnel syndrome, Guyon canal syndrome, radial tunnel syndrome, posterior interosseous nerve syndrome, PIN syndrome, Wartenberg syndrome, Tinel sign, scratch collapse test, Semmes-Weinstein monofilament, two-point discrimination, thenar sparing, palmar cutaneous branch, Froment sign, Jeanne sign, Wartenberg sign, dorsal ulnar cutaneous nerve, arcade of Frohse, compartment syndrome, forearm fasciotomy, hand fasciotomy, Volkmann ischemic contracture, double crush syndrome, CRPS