What type of pain is typically associated with Wartenburg's syndrome?

• A. Severe burning pain
• B. Localized tenderness
• C. Radiating pain in the shoulder
• D. Diffuse pain in the hand

Answer: (B)

Wartenburg's syndrome, also known as Wartenburg's sign, is primarily characterized by localized tenderness and sensory abnormalities in the area innervated by the affected palmar cutaneous branch of the median nerve. Patients may experience discomfort typically in the wrist or hand region, where they might have sensitivity to touch or localized pain.

Localized tenderness is consistent with the pathophysiology of Wartenburg's syndrome, which results from compression or irritation of the nerve as it passes through the forearm or wrist. This leads to a more concentrated area of pain rather than a generalized pain distribution. The condition often includes signs such as weakness in the function of the hand, especially in grip and fine motor tasks, but the tenderness remains a key feature of the diagnosis.

In contrast to other options, severe burning pain is more characteristic of neuropathic pain syndromes, radiating pain in the shoulder suggests a different issue such as nerve root involvement or referred pain, and diffuse pain in the hand typically indicates more generalized conditions like arthritis or tendonitis, rather than the localized nerve-related symptoms seen in Wartenburg’s syndrome. Hence, the correct answer reflects the specific nature of the pain presentation in this syndrome.