Transient radial nerve injury related to the use of a self retaining retractor for internal mammary artery dissection.

Peripheral nerve injuries and brachial plexopathies are frequent complications for coronary artery surgery, and are related to median sternotomy. Radial nerve injury has been uncommon hitherto. We report the case of a patient who sustained a radial nerve palsy associated with the use of a Pittman retractor, but who achieved rapid and complete recovery.