Patient history of pain that resolves in hours after trauma is indicative of which syndrome?

• A. Cubital tunnel syndrome
• B. Anterior interosseous syndrome
• C. Pronator teres syndrome
• D. Radial tunnel syndrome

Answer: (B)

The scenario presented—where pain resolves within hours after trauma—suggests a temporary or transient nerve compression rather than a chronic condition. The anterior interosseous syndrome is characterized by an acute onset of motor weakness without sensory loss due to compression or damage to the anterior interosseous nerve, which is a branch of the median nerve. This condition can manifest following trauma, and the fact that the pain resolves relatively quickly aligns well with the transient nature of nerve compression seen in this syndrome.

In contrast, cubital tunnel syndrome typically leads to persistent symptoms due to ulnar nerve involvement at the elbow, which can include pain and numbness that do not resolve quickly. Pronator teres syndrome, which involves median nerve compression at the level of the pronator teres muscle, may present similarly but often results in ongoing pain and functional issues rather than rapid resolution. Radial tunnel syndrome, associated with radial nerve compression in the forearm, usually features pain that can be persistent or recurrent rather than resolving quickly after an acute event.

Hence, the quick resolution of pain after trauma in this case is most consistent with anterior interosseous syndrome.