Carmen Erra1, Paola De Franco2, Giuseppe Granata1, Daniele Coraci3, Chiara Briani4, Ilaria Paolasso2, Luca Padua1,2. 1. Department of Neurology, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Largo A. Gemelli 8, 00168, Rome, Italy. 2. Don Carlo Gnocchi Foundation, Milan, Italy. 3. Department of Orthopedic Science, Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy. 4. Department of Neurosciences: Sciences NPSRR, University of Padova, Padova, Italy.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Radial nerve lesions associated with humeral shaft fractures are the most common traumatic nerve lesions observed with long bone fractures. Secondary indirect posterior interosseous nerve (PIN) lesions can be associated with traumatic radial nerve palsy. The aim of this study was to identify cases of traumatic double-site radial nerve involvement through ultrasound (US). METHODS: Patients with traumatic radial nerve lesions referred to our laboratory from January 2010 to January 2014 were evaluated. RESULTS: Of the 35 patients, 18 had US evidence of a radial nerve lesion at the fracture site associated with secondary PIN involvement at the arcade of Frohse. CONCLUSIONS: Multiple-site nerve lesions are difficult to demonstrate through electrodiagnostic tests. In our case series, half of the patients with traumatic radial nerve damage had US evidence of PIN injury. Prospective studies with follow-up are needed to determine the clinical and prognostic relevance of this finding and the best therapeutic approach.
INTRODUCTION: Radial nerve lesions associated with humeral shaft fractures are the most common traumatic nerve lesions observed with long bone fractures. Secondary indirect posterior interosseous nerve (PIN) lesions can be associated with traumatic radial nerve palsy. The aim of this study was to identify cases of traumatic double-site radial nerve involvement through ultrasound (US). METHODS:Patients with traumatic radial nerve lesions referred to our laboratory from January 2010 to January 2014 were evaluated. RESULTS: Of the 35 patients, 18 had US evidence of a radial nerve lesion at the fracture site associated with secondary PIN involvement at the arcade of Frohse. CONCLUSIONS: Multiple-site nerve lesions are difficult to demonstrate through electrodiagnostic tests. In our case series, half of the patients with traumatic radial nerve damage had US evidence of PIN injury. Prospective studies with follow-up are needed to determine the clinical and prognostic relevance of this finding and the best therapeutic approach.
Authors: Philipp Bäumer; Henrich Kele; Annie Xia; Markus Weiler; Daniel Schwarz; Martin Bendszus; Mirko Pham Journal: Neurology Date: 2016-09-28 Impact factor: 9.910