Neuromuscular complications of fractures of the extremities, part 2 : Nerve injuries and iatrogenic damage

Abstract

Lesions of peripheral nerves substantially influence the long-term prognosis and functional outcome. Approximately 70% of peripheral nerval lesions are associated with vascular injuries and occur more frequently with certain fractures and osteosynthesis types. The prognosis and treatment depend on the severity of the injury and the presence of axonal lesions, in particular, determines the further procedure. Treatment as early as possible is associated with a clear improvement in the prognosis. Defects longer than 8 mm in size necessitate a nerve transplantation. Iatrogenic vascular lesions occur particularly in percutaneous interventions and are reported in up to 8% of cases after operations involving the musculoskeletal system. Iatrogenic nerve lesions are almost exclusively the result of surgical procedures and represent up to 17.5% of traumatic nerve injuries. For all lesions the general principles of surgical treatment are valid and the rapid involvement of professional expertise is decisive.