Iatrogenic radial nerve palsy in open reduction internal fixation of humeral diaphyseal fracture by anterolateral approach

Author(s): Dr. Mahesh DV and Dr. Guruprasad S

Abstract: This study was done to determine frequency of post-operative iatrogenic radial nerve palsy in open reduction and internal fixation of humerus fracture by anterolateral approach. It is a Cross sectional study was done on 20 humerus shaft fractures were treated at adichunchanagiri hospital and research centre, nagamangala, Karnataka over a period of 12 months from septemeber 2019 to august 2020. Among these patients post operatively iatrogenic radial nerve palsy were noted. Among 20 patients, 16 were male and 4 were female. Median age was 32.5 years. Out of these 17 patients were has been treated with dynamic compression plate and 2 with locking compression plate. All the fractures were diaphyseal, at distal / middle third level. Among 20 patients 2 patients developed iatrogenic radial nerve palsy. In these patients there was no macroscopic lesion and nerve was in continuity and beginning of clinical recovery was seen in within 3 months. The incidence of secondary nerve palsy after surgey is 10%. Secondary nerve palsy is always transient recovers with time with dynamic splint in extent position of wrist and fingers. Open reduction and internal fixation provide greater patient comfort and better alternative to conservative treatment.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.22271/ortho.2020.v6.i3n.2301