Inability to straighten the wrist, so that the back of the hand cannot be brought into line with the back of the forearm. This causes weakness of grip because the hand muscles can function efficiently only when the wrist is held straight. Wrist-drop is caused by damage to the radial nerve, either by prolonged pressure in the armpit (see crutch palsy) or by fracture of the humerus (see humerus, fracture of). Treatment involves holding the wrist straight. This may be achieved by means of a splint, but if damage to the radial nerve is permanent, the usual treatment is arthrodesis (surgical fusion) of the wrist bones in a straight position.
Wrist-drop |
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