Posterior interosseous nerve neuropathy in distal radius fracture.

Background. The anatomy of the posterior interosseous nerve, which lies directly on the periostium of the distal epiphysis of the radius, may predispose to nerve migration between fragments after a fracture. This is especially like to be the case in a comminuted fracture of the distal radius, when the runs in the sagittal plane. Case histories. Based on 2 cases of patients treated for distal radius fracture immediately after trauma and 1 case of correction osteotomy, we describe entrapment of the articular branch of the posterior interosseous nerve was observed (DPIN). All these patients had pain syndrome in the narrow fourth compartment of the extensor, which included EIP and EDC. Our clinical observations are supported by cadaver studies and radiological imaging. Results. Good results were obtained after DPIN neurectomy or neurolysis.