Fractures of the humerus with radial nerve palsy

ABSTRACT

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