Final answer:
Radial nerve lesions can be classified by location as proximal, mid, or distal, each with varying symptoms based on the muscles and functions affected, from elbow extension to 'wrist drop.' Understanding the anatomical arrangement of the radial nerve is essential in diagnosis and management.
Step-by-step explanation:
The possible locations and features of a radial nerve lesion can be categorized as proximal, mid, and distal. A lesion in the proximal region may affect the nerve as it travels in the arm and can lead to symptoms such as difficulty in extending the elbow, wrist, and fingers due to impaired innervation of the extensor muscles of the forearm and arm. A lesion in the mid-region, near the area of the medial epicondyle of the humerus, may present with similar issues but with less severe involvement of the triceps muscle. Lastly, a distal lesion, closer to the wrist, would mainly influence wrist and finger extension, and can result in a condition known as 'wrist drop.' It is important to know the anatomy and physiology of the radial nerve in different locations to diagnose and manage these lesions correctly.