Abstract

LOPEZ BUSTOS, Francisco; FERNANDEZ, Alexis  and  MARTINEZ, Carlos E.. Lesiones iatrogénicas del nervio radial en la osteosíntesis de la diáfisis humeral. Rev. Asoc. Argent. Ortop. Traumatol. [online]. 2023, vol.88, n.4, pp.427-434. ISSN 1852-7434.  http://dx.doi.org/https://doi.org/10.15417/issn.1852-7434.2023.88.4.1622.

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.

Keywords : Iatrogenic; radial nerve; humerus fracture.

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