Pronunciation: [ɹˈɪstdɹɒp] (IPA) 
Wristdrop is a medical condition characterized by the inability to extend the wrist and fingers due to damage to the radial nerve. The spelling of the word "wristdrop" can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) as /rɪstdrɒp/. The IPA symbols represent the sounds of the word: the "r" sound is represented by /r/, "i" as /ɪ/, "s" as /s/, "t" as /t/, "d" as /d/, "r" as /r/ again, "o" as /ɒ/, and "p" as /p/.
Wristdrop is a medical condition that is characterized by the inability to extend or lift the hand and wrist effectively. It is caused by damage or compression of the radial nerve, which is responsible for providing the muscles in the forearm with the necessary innervation to perform these movements.
Individuals with wristdrop often experience weakness or paralysis in the muscles located on the back of the forearm, particularly the extensor muscles. This causes a reduced or complete loss of control over the movement of the hand and wrist, leading to the characteristic dropped or limp appearance of the wrist.
Wristdrop can result from various underlying causes, including trauma, nerve entrapment, repetitive stress injuries, or certain medical conditions such as nerve inflammation or neuropathy. Common examples of traumatic instances include fractures of the humerus bone or compression of the nerve as it passes through tunnels or tight spaces.
Treatment for wristdrop depends on the underlying cause and severity of the condition. It often involves addressing the root cause, which may involve physical therapy, splinting or bracing, pain management techniques, or in severe cases, surgical intervention. In some cases, recovery may be partial or complete, while in others, long-term or permanent disability may be present.
The word "wristdrop" is composed of two parts: "wrist" and "drop".
The term "wrist" dates back to the Old English word "wriste", which referred to the joint or articulation of the hand where it meets the arm. It can be traced further to the Proto-Germanic word "wristiz" and Proto-Indo-European root "wers-", both meaning "to turn" or "to twist".
The word "drop" originates from the Old English word "dropa", which meant a small quantity of liquid that falls or hangs in a spherical shape. It has connections to the Old Norse word "dropi" and the Proto-Germanic word "drupô".
When combined, "wristdrop" refers to a medical condition where there is a loss of control or weakness in the muscles responsible for extending the wrist.
