A 35-year-old carpenter sustains a mid-shaft fracture of the humerus after a fall. On examination, he is unable to extend his wrist and fingers, and the dorsum of the hand has diminished sensation. Which nerve is most likely injured?
- A Ulnar nerve
- B Median nerve
- C Radial nerve ✓
- D Musculocutaneous nerve
Correct answer: C. Radial nerve
Explanation
The radial nerve winds around the posterior aspect of the humerus in the radial (spiral) groove at its mid-shaft level. A mid-shaft humeral fracture classically injures the radial nerve here, causing wrist drop (loss of wrist and finger extension) and sensory loss over the dorsum of the hand in the distribution of the superficial branch of the radial nerve.
Reference: BD Chaurasia's Human Anatomy, 8th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.