Primary Radial Nerve Lesions in Humerus Shaft Fractures-Revision or Wait and See.

Background: This study investigates the surgical state-of-the-art procedure for humeral shaft fractures with primary radial nerve palsy based on its own case series in relation to the current and established literature. Methods: Retrospective review of treated cases between January 2018 and December 2022 describing radial nerve palsy after humerus shaft fractures, radiological fracture classification, intraoperative findings, surgical procedure, patient follow-up and functional outcome. Results: A total of 804 patients (463 women and 341 men) with humerus shaft fractures were identified. A total of 33 patients showed symptomatic lesions of the radial nerve (4.1%). The primary lesion was identified in 17 patients (2.1%). A broad and inhomogeneous distribution of fractures according to the AO classification was found. According to the operative reports, the distraction of the radial nerve was found eleven times, bony interposed three times and soft tissue constricted/compressed three times. In every case the radial nerve was surgically explored, there was no case of complete traumatic nerve transection. Four intramedullary nails and thirteen locking plates were used for osteosynthesis. Complete recovery of nerve function was seen in 12 cases within 1 to 36 months. Three patients still showed mild hypesthesia in the thumb area after 18 months. Two patients were lost during follow-up. Conclusions: With this study, we support the strategy of early nerve exploration and plate osteosynthesis in humeral fractures with primary radial nerve palsy when there is a clear indication for surgical fracture stabilisation. In addition, early exploration appears sensible in the case of palsies in open fractures and secondary palsy following surgery without nerve exposure as well as in the case of diagnostically recognisable nerve damage. Late nerve exploration is recommended if there are no definite signs of recovery after 6 months. An initial wait-and-see strategy with clinical observation seems reasonable for primary radial nerve palsies without indication for surgical fracture stabilisation.

The standardized exploration of the radial nerve during humeral shaft fixation reduces the incidence of iatrogenic palsy.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study is to determine if a standardized protocol for radial nerve handling during humeral shaft repair reduces the incidence of iatrogenic nerve palsy post operatively. METHODS: Seventy-three patients were identified who underwent acute or reconstructive humeral shaft repair with radial nerve exploration as part of the primary procedure for either humeral shaft fracture or nonunion. All patients exhibited intact radial nerve function pre-operatively. A retrospective chart review and analysis identified patients who developed a secondary radial nerve palsy post-operatively. In each case, the radial nerve was identified and mobilized for protection, regardless of whether the implant necessitated the extensile exposure. RESULTS: Fractures were classified according to AO/OTA guidelines and included 23 Type 12A, 11 Type 12B, and 3 Type 12C. Eight patients had periprosthetic fractures and 28 fractures could not be classified. All patients in the cohort were fixed with locking plates. Surgery was indicated for 36 patients with humeral nonunions and 37 patients with acute humeral shaft fractures. Of the 73 patients, 2 (2.7%) developed radial nerve palsy following surgery, one from the posterior approach and one from the anterolateral approach. Both patients exhibited complete recovery of radial nerve function by 6-month follow-up. No significant differences (p > 0.05) were found in any demographic or surgical details between those with and without radial nerve injury. CONCLUSIONS: Nerve exploration identification and protection leads to a low incidence of transient radial nerve palsy compared to the rate reported in the current literature (2.7% compared to 6-24%). Thus, radial nerve exploration and mobilization should be considered when approaching the humeral shaft for acute fracture and nonunion repairs. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

Radial nerve recovery following closed nailing of humeral shaft fractures without radial nerve exploration: A retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Radial nerve palsy due to humeral shaft fracture is the most common peripheral nerve injury associated with long bone fractures. An antegrade nailing surgical technique is becoming popular for the fixation of these fractures with minimal invasiveness. We analyzed nerve recovery in patients with humeral shaft fracture and radial nerve palsy treated with humeral nail fixation without nerve exploration. AIM: To assess the radial nerve recovery rate and time from humeral shaft fracture with surgical treatment using close nailing. METHODS: We retrospectively collected data of patients who underwent undergone surgical nail fixation for humeral shaft fractures between October 1, 2016, and March 31, 2020. Subsequently, we analyzed the primary or secondary radial nerve palsy recovery rate and radial nerve motor function recovery time. RESULTS: The study included 70 patients who underwent surgical treatment for closed- or Gustilo type I open humeral shaft fractures using a nail fixation technique without radial nerve exploration. The patients suffered from primary (n = 5) and secondary (n = 5) radial nerve palsy. A 100% radial nerve recovery rate was achieved. The mean recovery time was 4.3 mo. CONCLUSION: The study results indicate full recovery of radial nerve palsies from humeral shaft fracture using close nailing treatment. Surgeons need not be concerned about the occurrence of permanent nerve palsies.

Primary Radial Nerve Exploration Determined by Ultrasound in Pediatric Supracondylar Humerus Fracture: A Report of Two Cases.

We report two pediatric cases of radial nerve palsy caused by supracondylar fracture of the humerus requiring nerve exploration. The children had comparable conditions, palsy types (complete motor and partial sensory) and radiographic findings. The fracture in the first case was managed conservatively with closed reduction and percutaneous pinning but, while the patient eventually recovered from the partial sensory palsy, her motor palsy remained unchanged. In the second case, ultrasound assessment of the nerve prior to fixation indicated that surgical exploration was needed as it revealed tethering on the edge of the proximal fracture fragment. The nerve was released during an open reduction and the patient subsequently recovered from both sensory and motor palsies. Ultrasonography proved essential in the initial clinical assessment by determining how to proceed. We recommend primary nerve exploration when ultrasound findings show entrapment or tethering of the radial nerve.

Need for early exploration of radial nerve in humeral shaft fractures with radial nerve palsy.

INTRODUCTION: Radial nerve palsy (RNP) associated with humeral shaft fracture (HSF) is the most common nerve complication in long bone fractures. There is still controversy over the need for immediate exploration of the radial nerve (RN) in HSF with RNP. The purpose of the current study was to determine which situations of HSF with RNP require early exploration of the RN. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a retrospective study that included 55 patients who had visited the emergency department of the current authors' hospital and had been diagnosed with HSF between March of 2005 and September of 2015. Of these 55 patients, 14 (25.4%) had been diagnosed with HSF with RNP. We reviewed the medical records of those 14 patients and their radiographs to evaluate each fracture's type, location, pattern, energy of trauma, status of RN injury, and time until recovery from RNP. RESULT: All the 14 RNP patients had suffered high-energy trauma. Three had fractures in the proximal third (21.4%), six in the middle third (42.9%), and five in the distal third (35.7%). The three patients (21.4%) with incomplete recovery of RNP all had proximal third fractures; two of these three patients had RN transection. CONCLUSION: Early exploration of the radial nerve should be considered in patients with radial nerve palsy associated with proximal third humeral shaft fracture, regardless of the fracture patterns caused by the high-energy trauma.

Incidence and Management of Radial Nerve Palsies in Humeral Shaft Fractures: A Systematic Review.

Radial nerve palsies in closed humeral shaft fractures are common, with an incidence of 7%-17%. The management of radial nerve palsies in closed fractures is often expectant, with 70.7% spontaneously recovering within six months. A literature search was conducted for studies on radial nerve palsies in humeral shaft fractures from 2000-2018. A total of 4972 humeral shaft fractures were identified, with an incidence of 12.2% of primary radial nerve palsies. During the exploration, no neurological intervention was performed in nearly 41% of cases, and the most common finding was no evidence of any nerve lesion (35%). Those who underwent neurolysis were more likely to resolve when compared to primary repair or nerve grafting. Overall, there was a high rate of spontaneous radial nerve palsy recovery (85%) with radial nerve exploration increasing rates of resolution. While exploration demonstrates increased resolution, it is yet to be determined which fractures are indicated for nerve exploration.

Exploration of the axillary nerve through an open posterior endoscopic-assisted (OPEA) approach: First clinical experience.

INTRODUCTION: Previous studies have described a segment of the axillary nerve (AN) that cannot be surgically explored through the deltopectoral and posterior surgical open approaches (blind zone). We present the first two cases using an endoscopic-assisted approach to explore the AN through a posterior approach. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Two patients were evaluated, in whom clinical, electrodiagnostic testing, and MRI could not localize the level of the AN dysfunction. An open posterior endoscopic-assisted (OPEA) approach was performed 4 and 9 months after injury in an attempt to visualize all segments of the AN. Photographs and videos were taken to evaluate the intraoperative visualization of the AN and provide long-term clinical follow-up. RESULTS: Almost the entire AN was visualized with the scope through the OPEA approach, avoiding the deltopectoral approach. No AN lesion was found during the nerve exploration. A triceps branch to AN transfer, using the previous posterior approach, was performed. Patients in both groups achieved a deltoid muscle function of BMRC grade 4 after 24 and 9 months, respectively. CONCLUSION: The exploration of the AN through the OPEA approach was a useful strategy to visualize the blind zone of the AN without requiring the addition of a deltopectoral approach. We believe this novel technique has a role in selected cases of AN injury.

Evaluation of radial nerve continuity early after humeral shaft fracture fixation using high-resolution nerve ultrasonography: a pilot study of feasibility.

BACKGROUND: This study evaluated the feasibility and reliability of high-resolution ultrasonography (HRUS) of the radial nerve in the early, postoperative period after operative stabilization of humeral shaft fractures. METHODS: This study enrolled patients between September 2015 and April 2018 with a humeral shaft fracture who were assessed with HRUS within 2 weeks after surgery. Based on the ultrasound artifacts, the examiners subjectively defined quality of ultrasound as "bad" or "good." The cross-sectional area of the radial and the posterior interosseous nerve was recorded at predefined locations. The radial nerve was scanned axially in the whole course to identify nerve continuity. RESULTS: Of 44 patients who underwent operations for humeral shaft fracture, HRUS was used to assess 15 patients at an average 4.8 ± 2.6 days (range, 2-11 days) after surgery. The examiners defined ultrasound quality as "good" in 13 of 15 patients (~87%). Primary radial nerve palsy (RNP) was identified in 3 of the 15 patients, and 4 sustained secondary RNP. Nerve continuity was demonstrated by HRUS in every patient. In patients with RNP, nerve continuity was secondarily confirmed by surgical exploration or functional and electrophysiological recovery. CONCLUSION: Early postoperative HRUS of the radial nerve after osteosynthesis of humeral shaft fractures is a feasible and reliable method to identify radial nerve continuity. In case of pathology, this assessment tool can additionally provide valuable information concerning location and etiology of the RNP.

Arthroscopic-assisted exploration of the axillary nerve through a posterior open approach: A novel technique.

INTRODUCTION: Previous studies have described a segment of the axillary nerve (AN) that cannot be surgically explored through standard open surgical approaches (blind zone). This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of combining the standard posterior approach to the AN by using an arthroscope to visualize all segments of the AN. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Four fresh-frozen shoulders in two adult human torsos were included in the study. A standard posterior approach was performed on each shoulder, and a dry arthroscopy was performed through the surgical opening in an attempt to visualize all the segments of the AN. A surgical clip was placed at the most proximal and anterior segment of the AN that could be visualized with the arthroscope. A standard open deltopectoral approach was then performed to determine the exact location of the surgical clip and its relation to the origin of the AN. RESULTS: All segments of the AN (including the blind zone) were visualized from the quadrilateral space to their origin from the posterior cord in all four specimens. The surgical clip was found at an average of 1 cm (range from 0.5 to 1.5 cm) from the origin of the AN from the posterior cord. CONCLUSIONS: This cadaveric study shows that it is feasible to visualize all segments of the AN (including the blind zone) using this novel approach that combines the use of the standard posterior approach to the AN with dry arthroscopic exploration. Clinical studies are necessary to evaluate the utility of this novel approach.

Effectiveness of the extended surgical approach to visualize the axillary nerve in the blind zone in an arthroscopic axillary nerve injury model.

INTRODUCTION: The aims of this study were to create a model of axillary nerve (AN) injury during an arthroscopic capsular plication to analyze the site for potential nerve injury and to determine the AN length that can be visualized through standard and extended anterior, axillary, and posterior approaches. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Six arthroscopic inferior capsular plications were performed in 3 human adult frozen cadavers. A nonabsorbable suture was used to plicate the inferior capsule aiming at capturing the AN (at a location closest to the joint capsule). We then attempted to explore the AN through 3 different surgical approaches (each approach was performed in 2 shoulders): a standard and an extended anterior, axillary, and posterior approach. Surgical clips were used to mark the AN length that was visualized through each approach. RESULTS: The AN injury was located in a range from 5.4 to 7.8 cm from its origin from the posterior cord. This location corresponds with the previously described AN injury zone B (blind) and zone C (circumflex). Compared to the standard approaches, the extended anterior, axillary, and posterior approaches improved the visualization of the AN by 3.6, 1.5, and 2.8 cm, respectively. None of these approaches independently was sufficient to expose the entire course of the AN. CONCLUSIONS: The blind zone is a potential location for AN injury after inferior capsular plication. On the basis of this study, a combination of a standard and an extended surgical approach may lead to better exposure of most of the AN length.

The Role of Nerve Exploration in Supracondylar Humerus Fracture in Children with Nerve Injury.

The supracondylar humerus fracture (SCHF) in children is common and can be complicated with nerve injury either primarily immediate post-trauma or secondarily posttreatment. The concept of neurapraxic nerve injury makes most surgeons choose to 'watch and see' the nerve recovery before deciding second surgery if the nerve does not recover. We report three cases of nerve injury in SCHF, all of which underwent nerve exploration for different reasons. Early reduction in the Casualty is important to release the nerve tension before transferring the patient to the operation room. If close reduction fails, we proceed to explore the nerve together with open reduction of the fracture. In iatrogenic nerve injury, we recommend nerve exploration to determine the surgical procedure that is causing the injury. Primary nerve exploration will allow early assessment of the injured nerve and minimize subsequent surgery.

The Role of Nerve Exploration in Supracondylar Humerus Fracture in Children with Nerve Injury

The supracondylar humerus fracture (SCHF) in children is common and can be complicated with nerve injury either primarily immediate post-trauma or secondarily posttreatment. The concept of neurapraxic nerve injury makes most surgeons choose to ‘watch and see’ the nerve recovery before deciding second surgery if the nerve does not recover. We report three cases of nerve injury in SCHF, all of which underwent nerve exploration for different reasons. Early reduction in the Casualty is important to release the nerve tension before transferring the patient to the operation room. If close reduction fails, we proceed to explore the nerve together with open reduction of the fracture. In iatrogenic nerve injury, we recommend nerve exploration to determine the surgical procedure that is causing the injury. Primary nerve exploration will allow early assessment of the injured nerve and minimize subsequent surgery.

Two cases of non-recurrent laryngeal nerve: routine nerve exploration in total thyroidectomy.

Recurrent laryngeal nerve injury is one of the main complications of thyroidectomy. Since variability in the course of the nerve increases the risk of injury, routine nerve exploration is recommended. In this report, we present two cases of non-recurrent laryngeal nerve found during total thyroidectomy performed for benign pathologies. Total thyroidectomy was performed on two female patients (52 and 54 years old) with a diagnosis of multi-nodular goiter in our clinics. Nerve exploration was performed routinely and non-recurrent laryngeal nerve was noted in both patients. Patients were discharged on the first postoperative day without any complications. Recurrent laryngeal nerve exploration does not increase the risk of nerve injury and ensures safety in case of non-recurrent laryngeal nerve presence, despite its rarity.