Anterior Interosseous Nerve Syndrome (AINS)

Testing for Median Nerve Entrapments - Stuart Hinds

Anterior interosseous nerve syndrome (AINS) is one of 3 common median nerve entrapment syndromes; the other two being pronator teres and carpal tunnel syndromes

Lesions of the anterior interosseous nerve in the forearm are rare and often misdiagnosed as tendon injuries.

Wrist pain is the most common feature of AIN lesions regardless of the aetiology; this has been reported in 85% of patients.

Nerve lesions may be due to trauma, microtraumatic injuries, or “neuritis”.

The Anterior Interosseous Nerve (AIN) is an exclusively motor branch of the median nerve.

A complete lesion causes a characteristic deformity of pinch between the thumb and index finger (see below, R is abnormal).

Median Nerve Entrapments

AIN often resolves spontaneously, but trigger point therapy may be very beneficial in reducing the duration and intensity of symptoms.

Median Nerve Trigger Point Therapy

Areas of possible compression typically exist between the head of the Pronator Teres and the proximal tendon of Flexor Digitorum Superficialis.

This trigger point therapy blog is intended to be used for information purposes only and is not intended to be used for medical diagnosis or treatment or to substitute for a medical diagnosis and/or treatment rendered or prescribed by a physician or competent healthcare professional. This information is designed as educational material, but should not be taken as a recommendation for treatment of any particular person or patient. Always consult your physician if you think you need treatment or if you feel unwell.