Complete division of the posterior interosseous nerve after elbow arthroscopy: A case report

Abstract

With increasing use of the arthroscope for treating elbow conditions, some new complications are coming to light. One of them is injury to neurovascular structures lying in close proximity to various portals of introduction of the scope. The reported incidence of neurologic injuries after elbow arthroscopy is 0% to 14%. 4 Kelly E.W. Morrey B.F. O'Driscoll S.W. Complications of elbow arthroscopy. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2001; 83: 25-34 PubMed Google Scholar Injury to the posterior interosseous nerve during an arthroscopic procedure of the elbow is a rare complication with very few reported cases. 3 Jones G.S. Savoie III, F.H. Arthroscopic capsular release of flexion contractures (arthrofibrosis) of the elbow. Arthroscopy. 1993; 9: 277-283 Abstract Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (153) Google Scholar , 4 Kelly E.W. Morrey B.F. O'Driscoll S.W. Complications of elbow arthroscopy. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2001; 83: 25-34 PubMed Google Scholar , 8 Papilion J.D. Neff R.S. Shall L.M. Compression neuropathy of the radial nerve as a complication of elbow arthroscopy a case report and review of the literature. Arthroscopy. 1988; 4: 284-286 Abstract Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (81) Google Scholar , 10 Thomas M.A. Fast A. Shapiro D. Radial nerve damage as a complication of elbow arthroscopy. Clin Orthop. 1987; 215: 130-131 PubMed Google Scholar Most injuries described thus far have been either incomplete or temporary. 4 Kelly E.W. Morrey B.F. O'Driscoll S.W. Complications of elbow arthroscopy. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2001; 83: 25-34 PubMed Google Scholar , 8 Papilion J.D. Neff R.S. Shall L.M. Compression neuropathy of the radial nerve as a complication of elbow arthroscopy a case report and review of the literature. Arthroscopy. 1988; 4: 284-286 Abstract Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (81) Google Scholar , 10 Thomas M.A. Fast A. Shapiro D. Radial nerve damage as a complication of elbow arthroscopy. Clin Orthop. 1987; 215: 130-131 PubMed Google Scholar We report a case of complete division of the posterior interosseous nerve after elbow arthroscopy that was successfully treated by nerve grafting. The relevant literature on the subject is reviewed, possible causes for injury are listed, and preventive methods are discussed.