Effects on Upper-Limb Function with Dynamic and Static Orthosis Use for Radial Nerve Injury: A Randomized Trial

Abstract

The management of radial nerve palsy associated with humerus’s shaft fractures has been discussed for several decades, instead, is the most common nerve complication after humeral shaft fracture. Indeed, radial nerve palsy recovery rate ranges from 70 to 90%, many reports related to the use of dynamic orthosis options are described in the literature. The purpose of this study is to determinate which orthosis or splint is the best option to improve patient’s upper limb function, measured with DASH (Disability arm shoulder and hand) questionnaire when surgical intervention is not indicated. Final sample size consisted of 18 participants (14 men and 4 women) with an average age of 46 who suffered from a radial nerve lesion in the dominant arm after humerus’s shaft fractures were included in the study. Participants were randomized into 2 equal groups (9 patients for the static orthosis or splint group and 9 for the dynamic orthosis/splint group). The variance analysis showed a main effect in time lapse (F (1, 58) = 71, P<0.001) indicating a significant improvement in function. Results were significantly better for the static orthosis/splint group than for the dynamic splint group. Treatment with static orthosis produces further improvement in function compared to the treatment with dynamic orthosis.