Results of surgical treatment for radial tunnel syndrome.

We reviewed the outcome of radial nerve decompression in 28 patients with an average 28-month follow-up period. The outcome was determined by both subjective (ie, questionnaire) and objective assessments. Only 11 of the 28 patients (39%) had excellent or good results. However, 64% subjectively assessed their results as excellent or good. Results were worse in patients receiving workers' compensation or who were in litigation. The difference was statistically significant. Although previous studies have found a high rate of good results, we believe that a high rate of morbidity is associated with both the disease and its treatment. Based on our results we suggest that great caution be taken before performing radial tunnel release and strict adherence to the indications noted during the preoperative examination.