Handcuff neuropathies

Stone, Donald A. MD
Laureno, Robert MD

Department of Neurology, The Washington Hospital Center, and the Department of Neurology, George Washington University School of Medicine, Washington, DC.

Address correspondence and reprint requests to Dr. Robert Laureno, Department of Neurology, The Washington Hospital Center, 110 Irving Street NW, Washington, DC 20010.

Received February 27, 1990. Accepted for publication in final form June 18, 1990.

Neurology 41(1):p 145-147, January 1991.

Article abstract

Compressive neuropathy due to tight application of handcuffs occurred in 5 patients. The superficial radial nerve was affected in 8 hands and the median nerve in two. Neurologic deficits persisted as long as 3 years after handcuffing. Nerve conduction studies helped to exclude malingering and other diagnoses. All patients had been intoxicated when handcuffed or had been arrested with force. The handcuff mechanism, which allows accidental overtightening after application, is an unrecognized factor in these neuropathies.