The posterior compartment of the arm is the extensor compartment behind the humerus and intermuscular septa. It contains triceps brachii, with anconeus close by at the elbow, supplied by the radial nerve, which winds through the compartment in the radial groove with the profunda brachii artery.
| Location | Back of the upper arm. |
|---|---|
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Holds the elbow extensors and transmits the radial nerve.
The radial nerve in this compartment lies directly against the humerus and is injured in midshaft humeral fractures, causing wrist drop. Posterior compartment syndrome is uncommon but may follow crush injury or prolonged pressure in unconscious patients.
Injury to the radial nerve in the posterior compartment as it lies in the radial groove, causing wrist drop and numbness on the back of the hand.
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