[The supinator syndrome].

BACKGROUND: The posterior interosseous nerve syndrome is a rare compression neuropathy of the upper limb, which must be differentiated from tennis elbow. The aim of our study is to show etiology, symptoms, and diagnostic methods, and to illustrate the common operative techniques.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: We examined retrospectively all patients of the Department for Hand Surgery, Plastic and Microsurgery of the Berufsgenossenschaftlichen Unfallkrankenhaus Hamburg, who underwent operative treatment because of posterior interosseous nerve syndrome between 1984 and 1992. Mobility of the elbow joint, postoperative complaints and patient's satisfaction were analysed.

RESULTS: 23% of patients suffered a reduction of motion of the elbow joint, 87% had less pain, and 83% were satisfied with the result of treatment.

CONCLUSIONS: The value of preoperative neurophysiological examination for diagnosis of posterior interosseous nerve syndrome is not clear. Clinical examination will allow to differentiate between posterior interosseous nerve syndrome and tennis elbow. To prevent incomplete decompression of the deep radial nerve, multiple locations of compression must be considered.