The theory is that the radial nerve becomes irritated and/or inflamed from friction caused by compression by muscles in the forearm.

[1] Some speculate that radial tunnel syndrome is a type of repetitive strain injury (RSI), but there is no detectable pathophysiology and even the existence of this disorder is questioned.

[2] The "radial tunnel" is the region from the humeroradial joint past the proximal origin of the supinator muscle.

The nerve also provides sensory branches that travel to the periosteum of the lateral epicondyle, the anterior radiohumeral joint, and the annular ligament.

[6] Patients whose conditions are more adapted to surgical intervention are those who do not respond to prolonged conservative treatment.