ABSTRACT
Both fractured head of radius and fractured shaft of humerus may cause radial nerve damage. However, in the above case the sensation to the arm is maintained, as is wrist extension. This implicates a fracture of the head of the radius; proximal to the elbow, the radial nerve gives off several branches: the posterior interosseous nerve, the superficial radial nerve, which is the sensory branch, as well as a branch supplying the extensor carpi radialis longus. Head of radius fractures damage the posterior interosseous nerve only. This fracture therefore results in a palsy that spares sensation and wrist extension, while all other extensor function is lost.
