Anterior interosseous neuropathy

　　Anterior interosseous neuropathy has various etiologies, among which the main etiologies can be divided into three categories:

　　1. Direct trauma.

　　2. Partial median nerve injury leading to anterior interosseous nerve injury.

　　3. Neural lesions caused by compression or inflammation of the anterior interosseous nerve.

　　In addition to the pain in the forearm and wrist, patients with anterior interosseous neuropathy may develop potential complications such as decreased muscle strength and sensory disturbances over a long period, so it should be highly emphasized by clinical doctors and patients.

　　The anterior interosseous neuropathy is a pure motor neuropathy, and the pain in the forearm and wrist is a common clinical manifestation of the disease. There are often spontaneous pains in the volar aspect of the proximal forearm, pronator teres area, and the volar aspect of the wrist, which worsen during activity, especially when the forearm is active, and the pain may subside spontaneously within a few weeks or months. Patients often complain of difficulty in writing or holding small items, but there is no change in hand sensation.

　　The prevention of anterior interosseous nerve compression syndrome is particularly important, and attention should be paid to the following points in daily life:

　　1. Appropriate physical exercise to enhance physical fitness, reduce risk factors such as smoking and alcoholism, and improve immunity.

　　2. Pay attention to diet and stick to eating low-fat foods in daily life, such as lean meat and low-fat dairy products.

　　3. Control the quality and quantity of fat intake in the diet. Saturated fatty acids can increase cholesterol, while unsaturated fatty acids can lower cholesterol, so the intake of saturated fatty acids such as lard and beef fat should be controlled in the diet.

　　In diagnosing anterior interosseous nerve compression syndrome, in addition to relying on its clinical manifestations, chemical tests are also needed. Electromyography can be performed when patients have pain in the forearm and wrist, which is helpful for diagnosis.

　　For patients with anterior interosseous nerve compression syndrome, the diet should be light and balanced. Supplement a variety of vitamins, eat more fresh vegetables and fruits, and eat more foods rich in protein such as lean meat, milk, and eggs. Avoid spicy and irritating foods such as scallions, garlic, ginger, Sichuan pepper, chili, and cassia, and avoid greasy and fatty foods, as well as smoking and alcohol.

　　The treatment of this disease should be selected according to the cause. For the anterior interosseous nerve injury caused by trauma, general observation for 3 to 4 months is required. If it cannot recover, surgical treatment should be performed. For nerve injury caused by penetrating injury, immediate surgical treatment should be performed. The operation should release the Struthers ligament, excise the bicipital tendon sheath, release the pronator teres, and release the compressive factors existing in the anterior interosseous nerve. Non-surgical treatment can include rest, immobilization, reduction of forearm activity, and local anesthesia. For those who are ineffective after 8 to 12 weeks of conservative treatment, surgical treatment can be performed.