Radial-sided wrist pain differentials: presentation, pathoanatomy, diagnosis, and management.

Patients with radial-sided wrist pain can be challenging to diagnose and treat. Various physicians, including emergency physicians, primary care physicians, and orthopedic or plastic surgeons can be involved in the initial and subsequent evaluation. We delve into the differential diagnosis of radial-sided wrist pain including osteoarticular, ligament, tendon, nerve, and other pathologies. We review the physical exam findings, diagnostic studies, and treatment options for each pathology based on recent and updated literature.