Lesiones iatrogénicas del nervio radial en la osteosíntesis de la diáfisis humeral / Intraoperative iatrogenic injury of the radial nerve in humerus osteosynthesis

Introducción: Los objetivos de este estudio fueron determinar la incidencia de lesión iatrogénica intraquirúrgica del nervio radial durante la osteosíntesis de la diáfisis y el extremo distal del húmero, distinguir factores de riesgos asociados y reconocer elementos pronósticos que participan de su recuperación. Materiales y Métodos: Se evaluó, en forma retrospectiva, a 82 pacientes con osteosíntesis de húmero entre 2005 y 2021, sin parálisis radial preoperatoria. Se consideraron los sistemas de fijación utilizados, y se compararon las cirugías primarias con las reoperaciones y el tiempo transcurrido entre estas. El diagnóstico de parálisis radial posoperatorio fue clínico. Todos los pacientes fueron tratados con férula en extensión de muñeca, electroestimulación, kinesiología y vitaminas B1, B6, B12. La electromiografía se solicitó a los fines del pronóstico. Resultados: Nueve pacientes tuvieron déficit motor del nervio radial en el posoperatorio inmediato. El sistema de fijación era una placa (7 casos), sistema de cable-placa (1 caso) y clavo endomedular acerrojado anterógrado (1 caso). Siete ocurrieron en cirugías primarias y dos en reoperaciones. El 88% recuperó su función motora completamente antes de los 6 meses después de la parálisis. La electromiografía reveló un nervio radial no excitable en el 22% restante con parálisis definitiva. Conclusiones: El uso de placa de osteosíntesis, la disección intraoperatoria del nervio radial y las reoperaciones aumentan la incidencia de parálisis. Un nervio radial no excitable se relaciona con un peor pronóstico de recuperación espontánea. Nivel de Evidencia: IV

Introduction: The purpose of this study is to determine the incidence of intraoperative iatrogenic radial nerve injury after osteosynthesis of the diaphysis and distal end of the humerus, identify associated risk factors, and determine the prognostic factors involved in its recovery. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively assessed 82 humerus osteosynthesis cases between 2005 and 2021 who had normal radial nerve function before surgery. We evaluated the fixation systems used, the type of surgery (primary versus revision), and the intervals between surgeries. The diagnosis of postoperative radial palsy was made by clinical examination. All patients were treated with wrist extension splint, physiotherapy, and vitamins B1, B6, and B12. Results: After humerus fixation, 9 patients developed motor palsy. Seven cases were fixed with plates, one with a cable-plate system, and one with an anterograde locking intramedullary nail. Seven cases (22%) occurred after primary procedures, while two occurred during revisions. Within 6 months, 88% had regained full motor function. In the remaining 22% of patients with definite palsy, electromyography revealed no excitability of the radial nerve. Conclusions: The use of an osteosynthesis plate, as well as intraoperative dissection and neurolysis of the radial nerve, were identified as risk factors for the development of radial palsy. Reoperations on the humerus, on the other hand, are a risk factor that increases the likelihood of postoperative radial nerve palsy. A radial nerve with no excitability on the postoperative electromyogram has a poor prognosis of spontaneous radial nerve function recovery. Level of Evidence: IV

Lesión de la rama anterior del nervio interóseo posterior / Injury of the anterior branch of the posterior interosseous nerve

Resumen: Introducción: El síndrome del nervio interóseo posterior, rama del nervio radial a nivel del antebrazo se caracteriza por la pérdida de función motora de algunos o todos los músculos inervados distalmente. Caso clínico: Masculino de 26 años con antecedente de fractura de radio proximal manejado con osteosíntesis que cursó con lesión del nervio radial siete años antes con recuperación completa, acude con dolor intenso a 4 cm distal a cabeza radial, acompañado de parálisis del extensor largo y corto del pulgar y del abductor del pulgar, con paresia del extensor propio del índice, en el que se efectúa diagnóstico de síndrome de atrapamiento de la rama anterior descendente del nervio interóseo posterior (SNIP). Discusión: El manejo conservador del SNIP está indicado durante las primeras ocho a 12 semanas, de no mostrar mejoría la indicación de exploración quirúrgica está indicada, siendo el retiro de material de osteosíntesis controvertido.

Abstract: Introduction: Posterior interosseous nerve syndrome, a branch of the radial nerve at the level of the forearm, is characterized by the motor function loss of some or all of the muscles innervated distally. Clinical case: A 26-year-old male with a history of proximal radius fracture associated to radial nerve injury, treated with osteosynthesis 7 years earlier, with full recovery, who currently presented intense pain 4 cm distal to the radial head, accompanied by paralysis of Extensor pollicis longus , Extesnor pollicis brevis and Abductor pollicis longus, with paresis of the Extensor indicis propius , in which a diagnosis of entrapment syndrome of the anterior descending branch of the posterior interosseous nerve (SNIP) was performed. Discussion: The conservative management of SNIP is indicated during the first 8-12 weeks, if no improvement is found, the indication for surgical exploration is indicated, and the removal of osteosynthesis material is controversial.

Radial nerve injury associated with humeral shaft fracture: a retrospective study

Objective: To determine the profile of patients with humeral diaphyseal fractures in a tertiary hospital. Methods: We conducted a survey from January 2010 to July 2012, including data from patients classified under humeral diaphyseal fracture (S42.3) according to the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10). The variables analyzed were: age, gender, presence of radial nerve injury, causal agent and the type of treatment carried out. Results: The main causes of trauma were car accidents. The radial nerve lesion was present in some cases and was caused by the same trauma that caused the fracture or iatrogenic injury. Most of these fractures occurred in the middle third of humeral diaphysis and was treated conservatively. Conclusion: The profile of patients with fracture of humeral shaft, in this specific sample, was composed mainly of adult men involved in traffic accidents; the associated radial nerve lesion was present in most of these fractures and its cause was strongly related to the trauma mechanism. Level of Evidence II, Retrospective Study.

Flexor zone 5 cut injuries: emergency management and outcome

To determine the outcome and devise a protocol for emergency management of cut injuries in Flexor Zone 5 of hands. Descriptive study. Department of Plastic Surgery and Burn Unit, Mayo Hospital, KEMU, Lahore, Pakistan, from January 2009 to March 2013. All patients above 12 years of age with single sharp cut injuries in Flexor Zone 5, with no skeletal injuries, presenting within 12 hours in emergency were included with follow-up of 6 months, with active range of motion evaluated by Strickland's adjusted formula. Power of opponens pollicis and adductor muscles was evaluated from P0-4. Nerve repair results were evaluated serially by advancing Tinnel's sign, electrophysiological studies and sensory perception scored from S0-4 compared to the normal opposite upper limb. The study group comprised of 31 patients [M: F = 2.4: 1]. Average age was 27 years ranging from 17 - 53 years. In 25 [80%] cases, injury was accidental, in 3 [10%] homicidal and in 3 [10%] injury was suicidal. Four most commonly involved structures included Flexor carpi ulnaris, ulnar artery, ulnar nerve and Flexor digitorum superficialis. Median nerve and radial artery were involved in 10 cases each, while ulnar artery and ulnar nerve were involved in 14 cases each. Longtendons were involved in most cases with greater involvement of medial tendons. None of the patients required re-exploration for ischaemia of distal limb while doppler showed 22 out of 24 vascular anastomosis remained patent. Recovery of long-tendons was good and recovery after nerve repair was comparable in both median and ulnar nerves. Early and technically proper evaluation, exploration and repair of Zone 5 Flexor tendon injuries results in good functional and technical outcome

Resultados do reparo cirúrgico tardio das lesões traumáticas do nervo radial / Results of late repair of radial nerve traumatic injuries

Introdução: As lesões traumáticas do nervo radial podem ocasionar a disfunção de membros superiores devido à incapacidade de extensão do cotovelo, punho, mão e dedos, cujo resultado depende da gravidade da lesão, técnica cirúrgica, causa do trauma e tempo de cirurgia. Método: Apresentamos os resultados de 18 indivíduos submetidos ao tratamento tardio das lesões do nervo radial, realizado no período de 2001 a 2007, com o tempo de lesão menor que 15 meses e submetidos a reparação neural. Resultados: A média do tempo de seguimento foi de 48 meses. A recuperação motora satisfatória foi obtida em 90% dos casos submetidos à cirurgia. A recuperação funcional ocorreu em todos os casos submetidos à cirurgia, seja por epineurólise, neurorrafia epineural primária e, em um caso de insucesso, foi obtida a recuperação funcional com a transferência de tendão.

Introduction: Traumatic injuries of radial nerve lead to a dysfunction of upper extremities caused by elbow and wrist extension and finger grip inabilities, which depend on injury severity, surgical technique and trauma surgery time span. Methods: We present results from 18 subjects with late treatment of radial nerve injuries submitted to surgery during the period from 2001 to 2007, with injury time before then 15 months and submitted to neural repair. Results: The average follow up time is 48 month. A satisfactory motor repair was obtained in 90% of cases submitted to surgery. Functional recovery accessed in all cases submitted to surgery, either by epineurolysis, primary epineural repair and one case was obtained functional recovery with a tendon transfer.

Questionário para avaliação funcional da mão em lesão de nervos / Questionnaire to evaluate hand function in nerve lesions

OBJETIVO: elaborar um questionário de avaliação funcional para analisar as dificuldades manuais encontradas na realização de atividades cotidianas de indivíduos ocidentais adultos com lesão dos nervos ulnar, mediano ou radial.MÉTODO: foi realizada entrevista com 50 pessoas, idade entre 21 e 65 anos, portadoras de lesão nos nervos ulnar, mediano ou radial para identificar as dificuldades manuais ao realizar as tarefas cotidianas. Em seguida, seis cirurgiões de mão e nove terapeutas de mão, analisaram as tarefas listadas pelos entrevistados e as classificaram em níveis de importância para uma avaliação funcional das mãos. Posteriormente, o questionário foi elaborado baseado nessa classificação.RESULTADOS: o "Questionário de avaliação da mão com lesão de nervo" é constituído por 30 questões objetivas divididas em domínios de tarefas (vestuário, alimentação, higiene pessoal, tarefas domésticas, escrita, uso de computador e atividades diversas). As respostas são atribuídas de acordo com o grau de dificuldade na realização das tarefas listadas no instrumento. O questionário foi respondido por 32 pessoas com idade entre 18 e 65 anos apresentando sequela de hanseníase. O cálculo do alfa de Cronbach foi utilizado para avaliar a confiabilidade do instrumento. Após a remoção de duas questões relacionadas ao uso de computador, o resultado do alfa de Cronbach aumentou para 0,90.CONCLUSÃO: o "Questionário de avaliação da mão com lesão de nervo" apresenta alta consistência interna. Além disso, é conciso, de fácil preenchimento não necessitando a presença de profissional especializado para sua aplicação e permite a verificação do nível de independência do indivíduo com lesão de nervo periférico na mão na realização de suas tarefas habituais.

OBJECTIVE: to develop a functional evaluation questionnaire to limitations in hand function by western adults individuals with lesions of the ulnar, median or radial nerves in their routine tasks.DESIGN: an interview was conducted with 50 patients of 21-65 years of age with ulnar, median and radial nerve lesions to identify any manual difficulties in their performance of routine daily tasks. Six hand surgeons and nine hand therapists then analyzed the tasks listed by the patients and graded them in levels of importance for the evaluation of hand function, after which a questionnaire based on this classification was drawn up.RESULTS: the instrument Evaluation of Hand with Nerve Damage Questionnaire, consists of 30 objective questions divided into task domains (dressing, feeding, personal hygiene, housework, writing, use of computers and "others"), answers being classified according to degree of difficulty. The questionnaire was completed by 32 patients of 18-65 years of age with sequelae of Hansen's disease. Cronbach's coefficient alpha was used to assess the reliability of the instrument. Following removal of two questions regarding computer use, Cronbach's coefficient alpha increased to 0.90.CONCLUSION: the Evaluation of Hand with Nerve Damage Questionnaire shows a high internal consistency. In addition it is concise, easy to fill instrument not requiring specialized professional to apply and allows evaluation of the degree of independence of the individual with peripheral nerve lesion in the hand in performing routine daily tasks.

Experience with peripheral nerve injury in upper extremities

This study reports the results of 87 operations performed on nerves of the upper extremities of 87 patients during the period of 5 years from 2000-2005 in Mansoura University hospital and Emergency Hospital. Among them there were 84 males and 3 females, age ranged from 5 - 53 years. There were 27 patients with isolated median nerve injury, 33 with isolated ulnar nerve injury, 12 with isolated radial nerve injury and 15 patients with combined median and ulnar nerve injury. All patients were treated with nerve exploration within 1 hour, 7 months after combined injury and were followed-up for 3 months - 2 years. There were 77 nerve lesions not in continuity [74 needed suture repair and 3 needed sural nerve graft repair], while 25 nerve lesions where in continuity [9 partial lesions needed neurolysis and 16 complete lesions needed neuroma excision and suture repair]. Analysis of the outcome of surgical treatment was performed with respect to the following parameters: period between the injury and operation, patient age, type of injured nerve, level of injury and type of surgical intervention. Overall significant outcome [>/= 3 Lousiana State University Health Science [LSUHS] grade] was obtained in 67.5% [radial nerve 75%, ulnar nerve 64% and median nerve 71%]. Significant outcome according to the level of the injury were 51% arm, 69% forearm and elbow and 82% wrist. According to the type of intervention and lesion categories, lesions not in continuity had a significant outcome 61% [primary suture repair 75%, secondary suture repair 61%, while graft repair was 0%]. Lesions in continuity had a significant outcome 88% [partial lesions underwent neurolysis 100%, while complete lesions underwent surture repair 81%, cut injuries 79% and crushed injuries 59%]. The most favourable outcome was obtained with lesions that result in partial lesion in continuity

A novel technique leading to complete sensory and motor recovery across a long peripheral nerve gap

Sensory nerve grafts are the [quot ]gold standard[quot ] for inducing neurological recovery in peripheral nerves with a gap. However, the effectiveness of sensory nerve grafts is variable, generally not leading to complete sensory and motor recovery, with good recovery limited to gaps shorter than 2 cm, and the extent of recovery decreasing with increasing graft length. An alternative technique using a conduit filled with pure fibrin to bridge a nerve gap leads to only limited neurological recovery. We tested the effectiveness of a novel nerve repair technique in which a 5-cm long radial nerve gap was repaired using two sural nerve graft surrounded by a collage tube filled with pure fibrin. By 1 1/2 years post surgery, the patient recovered complete sensory and motor function. In conclusion, this study suggests that the combination of pure fibrin surrounding sural nerve grafts is responsible for inducing the extensive neurological recovery induced by either pure fibrin or sural grafts alone. This technique is presently being tested in a clinical trial.

Surgical resuls of opend reduction and plating of humeal shaft fractures assotiated with radial nerve palsy

The purpose of the present study was to assess early surgery in fractures humerus with radial nerve palsy versus conservative treatment. Nine patients with immediate complete radial nerve palsy complicating a fracture of the shaft of the humerus were reviewed. In all patients the radial nerve was explored and the fracture was fixed within one to two weeks of the accident. At exploration, interposition between the bone fragments or lacerations of the radial nerve was found in all fractures. The mean follow-up time was 9 months [range, 4-15]. There were 6 men and 3 women [mean age 39.1 years, 16 - 76]. There were 3 fractures of the mid-third and 6 fractures of the distal third of the humerus. All patients had complete return of radial-nerve function within three to six months after surgical exploration. This study confirms that radial nerve palsy is found especially in fractures located at the junction of the middle and the distal third of the humeral shaft. Because we found nearly always a macroscopically lesion of the nerve in this type of fracture, we believe an early exploration in spiriod fractures at that junction is better than conservative method

Transferencias tendinosas en lesiones del nervio radial con la técnica de Brand modificada. Descripción de la técnica quirúrgica y los resultados. Enero de 1997–julio de 2003. Hospital Militar Central / Tendon transfers in radial nerve injury with modified technique Brand. Description of surgical technique and results. January 1997-July 2003. Central Military Hospita

Estudio observacional prospectivo tipo serie de casos realizado entre enero de 1997 y julio de 2003 en el Hospital Militar Central, fueron tratados 108 pacientes con lesión irreversible del nervio radial de etiología diversa, con un seguimiento promedio de 53 meses. Se evaluaron función, retorno a las actividades diarias y complicaciones asociadas. Se encontraron como complicaciones: Una ruptura tendinosa que requirió tenorrafia, y un paciente que presentó un síndrome doloroso regional complejo. El 93% de los pacientes regresaron a sus actividades diarias acorde a evaluación con cuestionario DASH. El 98% de los casos recuperaron la función perdida de extensión de la muñeca, de los dedos, y la actitud del pulgar para el agarre. Los resultados obtenidos demuestran que la transferencia de Brand modificada es un excelente método para recuperar la función de la mano en la lesión severa del nervio radial.

study of sensory recovery after unilateral digital nerve injury

Several reports showed that digital nerve injury may show sensory recovery if left unrepaired. in this study comparison between the type of sensory recovery of digital nerve injury after repair to the unrepaired was done. The study show that both give protective sensation against pain, however, the repaired nerves showed faster recovery with better result as regard fine touch and two points discrimination and the difference was statistically significant

Spaghetti wrist: management and outcome

To determine the outcome of emergency management of the spaghetti wrist. Design: Descriptive study. Place and Duration of Study: Department of General Surgery, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital Lahore, Pakistan, from January 2000 to December 2003. Patients and During this period, all patients of more than 12 years, with sharp clean cut volar forearm lacerations [spaghetti wrist] of <6 hours were included, with a follow-up of one year, clinically and with nerve conduction studies, where appropriate. Sensory and motor recovery was evaluated according to S0-S4 and MRC [medical research council] scale respectively. The power of first dorsal interosseous and adductor pollicis was used to monitor the recovery of ulnar nerve; and abductor pollicis brevis and opponens pollicis for the median nerve. The tendon recovery was evaluated by Strickland Adjusted System Score. This study comprised of 10 patients [M:F, 4:1], of 14 to 38 years [mean 22.9 years]. Injury was accidental in 70%; due to broken glass in 50% and kite string in 40%; involving right hand in 70%. 8.2 [4-12] structures per patient were involved. The injury involved median nerve in 70%, ulnar nerve in 60%, [30% had both nerves involved], flexor carpi ulnaris in 70%. There was predilection of injury for medial structures. In 80%, wrist flexors were involved, and all wrist joints recovered to the full range of movements and power. The ulnar nerve showed less total motor and sensory recovery than median nerve. However, sensory and motor recovery was good. Overall functional results were good and did not correlate with neurophysiological studies. Immediate primary repair is safe and has good outcome, which also depends upon good physiotherapy, close follow-up and patients compliance. Overall clinical and functional assessment is more appropriate than series of individual observations and neurophysiological studies

Análise de fraturas supracondilianas do úmero em crianças / Analysis of supracondylares Fractures of the Humerus in Children

Os autores realizaram um levantamento retrospectivo dos atendimentos de crianças com fratura supracondiliana do úmero, com o objetivo de analisar as características deste tipo de fratura, e comparar com a literatura. Foram revistos fichas e prontuários de pacientes atendidos no serviço de Traumatologia e Ortopedia do Hospital São Lucas da PUCRS que preencheram todos os dados do levantamento: idade, raça, lado acometido, classificação da fratura, complicações e tratamento. Os resultados encontrados são de 63 pacientes numa população que variou de 1 ano a 11 anos de idade. Lesões em extensão e flexão ocorreram em 78,5 por cento e 10,5 por cento dos casos, respectivamente. Houve predomínio do sexo masculino (63,4 por cento) e da raça branca (95,2 por cento). O lado esquerdo foi o mais acometido, em 55,6 por cento dos casos. Foi realizado tratamento cirúrgico em 76 por cento e conservador em 24 por cento. Quanto a classificação de Gartland, encontrou-se 8 por cento do tipo I, 17,4 por cento do tipo II, e 74,6 por cento do tipo III. Observou-se ainda complicações nervosas em 6,35 por cento dos casos, enquanto complicações vasculares ocorreram em 3,2 por cento. Os resultados obtidos vão ao encontro dos dados descritos na literatura, constatando a importância desta patologia em crianças e a necessidade de conhecimento das características, classificação e manejo dessa patologia.

Lesión del nervio radial por explosión de bolsa de aire / Radial nerve injury as result of an automobile airbag deployment

Se informa el caso de una paciente que sufrió múltiples traumatismos como consecuencia de la explosión de una bolsa neumática protectora durante un impacto automovilístico a baja velocidad. Entre las lesiones ocurridas sufrió parálisis del nervio radial como consecuencia de la contusión a nivel del tercio medio del brazo, se describe su evolución y se hace una revisión de la literatura internacional.

Tiempo de consolidación en las fracturas diafisarias del húmero tratadas con injerto óseo autólogo y placas A / Bone-union span in fractures of the humeral shaft treated by screw-plating and autologous bone grafting

Se trataron 40 pacientes con fractura diafisaria del húmero mediante osteosíntesis con placa de compresión DCP y aplicación de injerto autógeno mediante un abordaje posterior. Su edad promedio fue de 34.5 años. El 40 por ciento (16 casos) tenían lesión del nervio radial, que se reparó en el mismo tiempo operatorio. Se aplicó una férula posterior en pinza de azúcar como protección complementaria. Se obtuvo consolidación primaria en 39 de los 40 casos (97.5 por ciento) en un promedio de 12 semanas (9 a 19). Persistieron datos de lesión del nervio radial solamente en 2 de los 16 casos referidos después de un seguimiento promedio de 9 meses (6 a 18). Solamente un caso con alfojamiento del implante requirió ser reintervenido para una segunda osteosíntesis y aplicación de injerto óseo autólogo. Hubo 2 casos con necrosis superficial de la herida

Injection induced nerve injury : an iatrogenic tragedy.

11 patients with injection induced nerve injury were evaluated. There were 9 adults and 2 children, 8 had radial nerve injury and 3 sciatic nerve injury. 6 had evidence of severe involvement with active denervation. Nature of the drug was not known in 81%, thus faulty site of injection was the most important factor responsible. The need to discourage indiscriminate use of intramuscular injections and choice of a proper site of selection is stressed.

Fractures of the humerus with radial nerve palsy

The radial nerve was explored in seven cases of fracutres of the distal third of the humerus with radial nerve palsy which are often oblique or spiral with or without butterfly fragement and typically angulated laterally, with the distal fragment displaced proximally. In all the cases, the nerve was found caught in the fracture site. This paper presents seven cases of fracture of the humerus complicated by radial nerve injury. The fracture occurs in the distal third of the bone at the point where the radial nerve traverses the lateral intermuscular septum and is in contact with the bone. The apex of the distal fragment is displaced nerve between the bone fragments. Primary open reduction and internal fixation is the treatment of choice for this kind of injury. Closed manipulation is contraindicated when the criteria of the syndrome are present