Preoperative Radial Nerve Palsy Research Articles

A comparative study of functional outcome in treatment of diaphyseal humerus fractures with open reduction and internal fixation by two different approaches, anterolateral and posterior

Introduction: The humerus diaphyseal fractures account for 3% all bone fractures. Humerus diaphyseal fractures occurs in young adults because of high velocity injuries like road traffic accidents, fall from height, assaults and heavy machinery injuries, humerus diaphyseal fractures occurs in old age patients because of simple falls due to osteoporotic bones. Methods: A retrospective review was conducted of patients with humerus diaphyseal fractures. In all 26 patients were enrolled in the study, of which 13(50%) were treated with anterolateral approaches and the 13(50%) with posterior approaches. In this study we treated diaphyseal humerus fractures with open reduction and internal fixation by two different approaches, anterolateral and posterior, and compared results and functional outcome. Results: Out of all the 26 patients with diaphyseal humerus fracture 13 patients were operated with open reduction and internal fixation by plate osteosynthesis by anterolateral approach 10(38.46%) patients had excellent result, 1(3.84%) patient had good result and 3(11.53%) patients had poor result. And Out of all the 26 patients with diaphyseal humerus fracture 13 patients operated with posterior approach 9(34.61%) patients had excellent result, 4(15.38%) patients had good result and none had poor result. Conclusion: in our study we conclude that both approaches are equally effective for diaphyseal humerus fractures treatment in terms of fracture union, functional outcome and complications. Posterior approach to shaft humerus fracture is beneficial because with mobilization of radial nerve 76% of humerus shaft is exposed. In preoperative radial nerve palsy with diaphyseal shaft fractures posterior approach is better choice for nerve exploration. And anterolateral approach is better option for upper third and middle third diaphyseal humerus fractures and posterior approach is better option for distal third diaphyseal humerus fractures

Results of the keyhole interlocked nailing for humeral diaphyseal fractures in adults.

To evaluate the effectiveness of interlocked humerus nail through a keyhole incision for the management of humeral diaphyseal fractures in terms of radiological union, shoulder function, and complications. In this prospective study of sixty-two patients with humeral diaphyseal fractures in our institute (51 men, 11 women; mean age 42years; range 20 to 73years), fifty-nine fractures were closed and three were grade I open fractures. Three patients had a preoperative radial nerve palsy. Key hole surgery was performed by closed technique (n = 56) and limited open technique (n = 6) with reamed humerus interlocked nail through anantegrade nailing procedure. The cases were followed up prospectively for union and function. The mean follow-up was 12.3months (range 12months to 18months). The outcome of the procedure was assessed according to American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, radiological union, complications, and secondary procedures required. Fifty-eight (93.33%) fractures united with an average consolidation time of 12.75weeks. Two patients had delayed union. Two patients had nonunion which required plating and bone grafting. No cases of infection were encountered. Neuropraxia which was detected preoperatively recovered fully in all three cases between three and sixweeks. The ASES scores were excellent-to-good in fifty-six (90.32%) patients, fairly functional outcome was noted in four patients(6.5%), and two patients (3.2%) continued to have poor function at the time of final follow-up. The results of keyhole interlocked humerus nail with proximal multi-locking options were excellent-to-good for humeral diaphyseal fractures in terms of union, shoulder function, and complications. It is a safe, easy, and reliable method for the treatment of humeral diaphyseal fractures.

Long dorsal "Y-shaped" plate for distal diaphyseal humeral fractures.

Osteosynthesis of distal diaphyseal humeral fractures is challenging, especially if there is a metaphyseal extension of the fracture line with a butterfly third fragment or if the fracture is bifocal. These fractures put the radial nerve at risk at the time of the fracture and during surgery. We hypothesize that ORIF with a long dorsal Y-plate matching the dorsal aspects of the humeral diaphysis and of the two metaphyseal columns would provide a reliable method of fixation for distal diaphyseal humeral fractures even when there is a metaphyseal extension or bifocal component. Between 2015 and 2019, 17 distal diaphyseal humeral fractures in 17 consecutive patients (14 men, 3 women, mean age 38 years) were operated on with a long "Y-shaped" dorsal plate. There were two bifocal fractures and 11 diaphyso-metaphyseal fractures with butterfly fragments. All 17 patients could be retrospectively followed up clinically and radiographically at a mean follow-up of 25 months (min 4, max 40). Clinical charts included VAS pain, elbow range of motion, QuickDASH, MEPS and subjective elbow value. Bone healing was observed in all cases. Five patients (29%) had a pre-operative radial nerve palsy. All pre-operative radial nerve palsies but one recovered spontaneously. One complete radial nerve palsy that was not present before the operation was observed after surgery. It recovered spontaneously in four months. One case of post-operative elbow stiffness required a revision. Only one case (5%) showing a complication directly related to the plate (secondary displacement) required revision. Mean post-operative elbow flexion was 134°. Extension deficit averaged 13°. Subjective elbow value, QuickDASH and MEPS averaged respectively 81%, 19 points and 92 points. Currently available plates (long dorsal straight, short dorsal "Y-shaped", long lateral) may have limitations in terms of screw purchase or biomechanical efficiency when ORIF of distal diaphyseal humeral fractures is considered. A long dorsal "Y-shaped" plate is a new alternative which may be successfully used even in the most difficult cases. Our study suggests that a long dorsal "Y-shaped" plate is suitable for distal diaphyseal humeral fractures especially when there is a metaphyseal bifocal or third fragment component.

Iatrogenic Nerve Palsy Occurs With Anterior and Posterior Approaches for Humeral Shaft Fixation

To determine if surgical approach impacts the rate of nerve palsy after plate fixation of humerus shaft fractures and whether or not iatrogenic nerve palsy recovers in similar ways to preoperative palsy. Retrospective. Two trauma centers. Patients 18+ years of age with nonpathologic, extra-articular humerus shaft fractures (OTA/AO 12A/B/C and 13A2-3) treated with plate fixation. Plate fixation of humerus shaft fractures, from 2008 to 2016. Rate of iatrogenic nerve palsy by a surgical approach and injury characteristics. Two hundred sixty-one humeral shaft fractures were included. The rate of preoperative palsy was 19%. Radial nerve palsy (RNP) was present in 18%. Iatrogenic RNP occurred in 12.2% and iatrogenic ulnar palsy in 1.2%. Iatrogenic palsy occurred in 15.6% of middle and 15% of distal fractures, with fracture location significantly different in those developing RNP (P = 0.009). Iatrogenic RNP occurred in 7.1% of anterolateral, 11.7% of posterior triceps-splitting, and 17.9% of posterior triceps-sparing approaches (P = 0.11). Follow-up data were available for 139 patients at an average of 12 months. Preoperative RNP resolved less often than iatrogenic RNP, in 74% versus 95% (P = 0.06). Time to resolution was longer for preoperative RNP, at 5.5 versus 4.1 months (P = 0.91). Twenty-two percent with preoperative RNP underwent tendon transfer or wrist fusion, versus 0% after iatrogenic RNP (P = 0.006). Iatrogenic RNP is not uncommon with humeral fracture fixation and occurs at similar rates in anterior and posterior approaches and with midshaft and distal fractures. Iatrogenic RNP had a high rate of recovery. Preoperative RNP more often requires surgery for unresolved palsy. Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Predictors of radial nerve palsy recovery in humeral shaft fractures: A retrospective review of 17 patients

BackgroundRadial nerve injury is common in humeral shaft fractures and fails to recover spontaneously in 30% of cases. Few studies have evaluated predictors of recovery. The objectives of this study were to identify predictors of radial nerve palsy recovery and to assess the usefulness of surgical radial nerve exploration in patients with preoperative radial nerve palsy. HypothesisFactors predicting the outcome of radial nerve palsy can be identified. MethodsOf 373 patients with humeral shaft fractures between 2005 and 2012, 43 had radial nerve palsy, including 23 who were lost to follow-up and 17 who were evaluated retrospectively at a mean of 26 months (range, 12–84 months) after internal fixation. The following were studied: age, smoking history, energy of the trauma, fracture type and displacement, skin integrity and intra-operative appearance of the radial nerve. ResultsOf the 17 palsies, 13 were present preoperatively, including 10 that recovered (PreR group) and 3 that did not recover (PreNR group). Plate fixation and radial nerve exploration were performed in all patients. Of the 10 PreR patients, 6 had nerve contusion and 2-nerve entrapment. Of the 3 PreNR patients, 2 had gross nerve damage and 1 nerve contusion and a history of spinal muscular atrophy. Only age and presence of gross nerve damage differed significantly between the PreR and PreNR groups; trends towards significant differences were noted for skin breach and fracture displacement. Of the 4 postoperative radial nerve palsies, 2 recovered fully and 2 partially; mean age was higher in the 2 patients with partial recovery. DiscussionThese findings are consistent with the few previous studies of outcome predictors in radial nerve palsy. Factors such as major fracture displacement and high-grade skin wounds probably promote the occurrence of gross nerve lesions. The high incidence of nerve entrapment and stretching supports routine nerve exploration during internal fixation in patients with preoperative radial nerve palsy. Level of evidenceIV, retrospective study with no control group.

Locking compression plate in humeral shaft nonunion: a retrospective study of 18 cases

<p class="abstract"><strong>Background:</strong> Humeral shaft nonunions are frequently seen in Orthopaedic practice. Osteosynthesis with bone grafting is the treatment of choice. Locking compression plate (LCP) is the latest implant used in treating them. We retrospectively evaluated the outcome of use of LCP in humeral shaft non-union resulted by both conservative management and following failed internal fixations.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> Eighteen patients with nonunion of humeral shaft in which ten were treated by traditional bone setters and eight followed by failed internal fixation were included in these study. The mean duration of nonunion was 18.3 months (range 8-22). The mean follow up period was 18 months (range 12-26). The mean age of patients was 44.4 years (range 22-60). All patients underwent osteosynthesis with LCP and autologoous cortico-cancellous iliac crest graft. The outcome measures include radiographic assessment of fracture union and preoperative and postoperative function using modified constant and murley scoring system.<strong></strong></p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results:</strong> All fractures united following osteosyntesis average time for union was15 weeks (range 10-24). We did not have any delayed union or non-union. The complications were superficial infection (n=1) and wound haematoma (n=1).Three patients with preoperative radial nerve palsy recovered at the end of four months. Functional evaluation using constant-murley score showed excellent result in 14, good in 3 and fair in 1. We did not have any poor results.</p><strong>Conclusions:</strong> LCP with cancellous bone grafting is a safe reliable option for all forms of humeral shaft nonunion. We recommend it.

Incidence and predictors of radial nerve palsy with the anterolateral brachialis splitting approach to the humeral shaft

PurposeFractures of the humeral shaft are common and account for 3%–5% of all orthopedic injuries. This study aims to estimate the incidence of radial nerve palsy and its outcome when the anterior approach is employed and to analyze the predictive factors. MethodsThe study was performed in the department of orthopaedics unit of a tertiary care trauma referral center. Patients who underwent surgery for acute fractures and nonunions of humerus shaft through an anterior approach from January 2007 to December 2012 were included. We retrospectively analyzed medical records, including radiographs and discharge summaries, demographic data, surgical procedures prior to our index surgery, AO fracture type and level of fracture or nonunion, experience of the operating surgeon, time of the day when surgery was performed, and radial nerve palsy with its recovery condition. The level of humerus shaft fracture or nonunion was divided into upper third, middle third and lower third. Irrespective of prior surgeries done elsewhere, the first surgery done in our institute through an anterior approach was considered as the index surgery and subsequent surgical exposures were considered as secondary procedures. ResultsOf 85 patients included, 19 had preoperative radial nerve palsy. Eleven (16%) patients developed radial nerve palsy after our index procedure. Surgeons who have two or less than two years of surgical experience were 9.2 times more likely to induce radial nerve palsy (p = 0.002). Patients who had surgery between 8 p.m. and 8 a.m. were about 8 times more likely to have palsy (p = 0.004). The rest risk factor is AO type A fractures, whose incidence of radial nerve palsy was 1.3 times as compared with type B fractures (p = 0.338). For all the 11 patients, one was lost to follow-up and the others recovered within 6 months. ConclusionContrary to our expectations, secondary procedures and prior multiple surgeries with failed implants and poor soft tissue were not predictive factors of postoperative deficit. From our study, we also conclude that radial nerve recovery can be reasonably expected in all patients with a postoperative palsy following the anterolateral approach.

Antegrade Unreamed Locked Intramedullary Nailing in Open Fractures of Shaft of Humerus.

Open fractures of shaft of humerus have been treated conservatively as well as operatively. Plate osteosynthesis has been considered as the gold standard treatment. Intramedullary nailing also has same success rate in closed fractures. The results of 30 open fractures of shaft humerus fixed with locked unreamed antegrade intramedullary nailing were evaluated. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the role of locked intramedullary nailing in open fractures of shaft humerus in terms of bone union, secondary procedure required, complication, shoulder dysfunction and infection. Of consecutive 365 humeral shaft fractures, 63 fractures were open. Thirty-two patients were operated with plate osteosynthesis, while 31 patients who were treated with locked unreamed intramedullary nails fulfilling the inclusion criteria entered the study. Twenty eight of thirty patients united in mean duration of 10.5 weeks. There were two non-unions both of them united with bone grafting and plate osteosynthesis. Seven patients had superficial infection which healed with antibiotic course, while two patients had deep infection, which healed with repeat debridement. Eleven patients had preoperative radial nerve palsy, nine of which healed completely in average of six months. Twenty eight patients had excellent functional outcome at final follow-up while two patients had good outcome. Antegrade nailing is associated with good union rates and low infection rates and is a good option in open fractures and in polytrauma patients.

Lateral approach to the humeral shaft: approach for special situations

Background In situations where simultaneous exploration of the anterior, the lateral, and the posterior surfaces of the shaft of the humerus is needed, or when radial nerve exploration is required, it is beneficial to find an approach that allows good exposure of the humeral surfaces and good exploration of the radial nerve. The objective of this study was to assess the results of using the lateral approach of the humerus in such situations. Patients and methods Between January 2008 and December 2010, 18 displaced humeral shaft fractures in 18 patients were treated in Mansoura University Hospitals with open reduction and plate fixation using lateral approach. Fractures were classified according to the OTA classification, and preoperative and postoperative assessments of the radial nerve were done. The follow-up included assessment of the range of motion of shoulders, elbows, and wrists; the muscular strength of the shoulders; and hand grip were assessed as compared with the other uninjured side. Results All fractures healed within a mean time of 14 weeks (11–17 weeks). Of 11 patients with preoperative radial nerve palsy, nine (82%) had complete spontaneous recovery within few months after surgery, and the other two had near-complete recovery. There was one case of superficial infection that resolved after wound debridement and antibiotic therapy. No patient had delayed union, nonunion, or implant failure. Conclusion Lateral approach for the humerus is an excellent way for radial nerve exploration and for cases where the lateral, the anterior, and the posterior surfaces of the humerus needed to be approached simultaneously. This approach allows supine positioning of the multiply injured patients and proper visualization of the radial nerve without muscle splitting; however, it does not allow exploration of the radial nerve in the proximal third of the humerus.

Outcomes of distal humerus diaphyseal injuries fixed with a single-column anatomic plate

The locking compression extra-articular distal humerus plate (EADHP) is an anatomically shaped, angular stable single-column fixation system for distal third humerus fractures. The purpose of this retrospective study was to evaluate clinical and radiographic outcomes after open reduction and internal fixation of distal humerus fractures with this device. Twenty-one consecutive patients with distal humerus fractures were treated with the EADHP system between February 2006 and June 2012. Of these, 19 were clinically and radiographically evaluated after a mean follow-up of 10.4 months. Follow-up assessment included anteroposterior and lateral radiographs, assessment of range of motion (ROM), pain according to a visual analogue scale (VAS) and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score. All fractures demonstrated satisfactory reduction and healing at an average of 7.3 months. One patient showed post-operative sensory ulnar neuropathy that recovered completely, and nine patients had a preoperative radial nerve palsy, which recovered spontaneously following exploration and plating. Mean post-operative ROM was as follows: flexion 126°, extension -7°, pronation 82° and supination 83°. The VAS score was zero points in eight patients, while the mean DASH score was 25.8 points. For extra-articular distal humerus fractures, including high-energy injuries often seen in gunshot wounds or motor vehicle injuries, the anatomically shaped angular stable single-column plate provides satisfactory clinical and radiographic results and serves as a valuable tool in the treatment of these injuries.

Plating, Nailing, External Fixation, and Fibular Strut Grafting for Non-Union of Humeral Shaft Fractures

To compare various treatment modalities (plating, Ilizarov external fixation, and non-vascular fibular cortical strut grafting) for non-union of humeral shaft fractures. Records of 9 women and 26 men aged 24 to 71 (mean, 42) years who presented with non-union of humeral shaft fractures were reviewed. The humeral shaft fractures were secondary to low-energy trauma (n=22) or vehicular accidents (n=13) and involved the proximal (n=9), middle (n=15), and distal (n=11) regions. 13 of the fractures were open. Infection was evident in 8 of the non-unions. For non-unions with infection (n=8), a 2-stage procedure entailing temporary Ilizarov fixation followed by plating was used. For non-unions without infection (n=23), one-stage plating and cancellous bone grafting was used. For non-unions of osteoporotic bone (n=4), one-stage non-vascularised fibular strut grafting was used. Outcome was measured using the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) scoring system. The 35 patients were followed up for a mean of 16 (range, 6-60) months. All achieved bone union except for one (who had persistent infection). Respectively for non-unions with infection, nonunions without infection, and non-unions of osteoporotic bone, the mean times to bone union were 6.5 (range, 4-10), 5 (range, 4-8), and 10 (range, 6-14) months, the mean improvement in DASH score was 30, 43, and 18, and malalignment was noted in 5, 2, and one patient. Three patients had a preoperative radial nerve palsy for which standard tendon transfer was performed 6 weeks after treatment for non-union. Compression plating achieved the best results. An external fixator may be used temporarily for infected non-unions. Fibular strut grafting may be used when non-unions warrant additional stability.

Minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis for humeral shaft fractures: are results reproducible?

Minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) has been advocated as a safe approach to humeral shaft fracture management. We evaluated the reproducibility of this technique in a regional hospital. Thirty-five patients underwent MIPO of humerus shaft fractures. Fifteen patients had an open fracture, six a preoperative radial nerve palsy, and nine a concomitant thoracic, musculoskeletal or vascular injury. At an average 12-month follow-up, 91% of fractures healed after a mean of 12 weeks (range, 8-16). Two infections occurred. Final alignment averaged 4° of varus (range, 5° of valgus to 20° of varus). Active elbow ROM averaged 114° (range, 60-135°) and was less than 100° in nine elbows. Five of six preoperative radial nerve injuries recovered spontaneously. Healing and infection rates in this study are consistent with those reported in the literature. Lower elbow ROM and higher fracture angulation at healing were nevertheless found. MIPO is technically demanding and requires adequate intraoperative imaging and surgical experience in order to obtain adequate fracture alignment. Brachialis muscle scarring and inadequate postoperative rehabilitation may be involved in limited elbow range of motion.

Extra-Articular Distal-Third Diaphyseal Fractures of the Humerus

There are strong advocates for both operative and nonoperative treatment of distal-third diaphyseal fractures of the humerus, but there are few comparative data. We performed a retrospective comparison of these two treatment methods. Fifty-one consecutive patients with a closed, extra-articular fracture of the distal one-third of the humeral diaphysis were identified from an orthopaedic trauma database. Forty patients were followed for at least six months or until healing of the fracture. Eleven patients were excluded because of inadequate follow-up. Nineteen patients had been managed with plate-and-screw fixation, and twenty-one had been managed with functional bracing. Among the operatively treated patients, one had loss of fixation, one had a postoperative infection, and one required tendon transfers for the treatment of a preoperative radial nerve palsy that did not resolve. Three new postoperative radial nerve palsies developed, and one had not resolved when the patient was last evaluated, three months after surgery. All operatively treated fractures healed with <10 degrees of angular deformity, and one patient lost 20 degrees of shoulder or elbow motion. Among the nonoperatively treated fractures, two were converted to plate fixation because of the treating surgeons' concern regarding alignment and radial nerve palsy. Only one patient had >30 degrees of malalignment in any plane. Two patients had development of skin breakdown during treatment and completed treatment in a sling. Two patients lost >/=20 degrees of elbow or shoulder motion. For extra-articular distal-third diaphyseal humeral fractures, operative treatment achieves more predictable alignment and potentially quicker return of function but risks iatrogenic nerve injury and infection and the need for reoperation. Functional bracing can be associated with skin problems and varying degrees of angular deformity, but function and range of motion are usually excellent.

EXTRA-ARTICULAR DISTAL-THIRD DIAPHYSEAL FRACTURES OF THE HUMERUS

Background: There are strong advocates for both operative and nonoperative treatment of distal-third diaphyseal fractures of the humerus, but there are few comparative data. We performed a retrospective comparison of these two treatment methods. Methods: Fifty-one consecutive patients with a closed, extra-articular fracture of the distal one-third of the humeral diaphysis were identified from an orthopaedic trauma database. Forty patients were followed for at least six months or until healing of the fracture. Eleven patients were excluded because of inadequate follow-up. Nineteen patients had been managed with plate-and-screw fixation, and twenty-one had been managed with functional bracing. Results: Among the operatively treated patients, one had loss of fixation, one had a postoperative infection, and one required tendon transfers for the treatment of a preoperative radial nerve palsy that did not resolve. Three new postoperative radial nerve palsies developed, and one had not resolved when the patient was last evaluated, three months after surgery. All operatively treated fractures healed with <10° of angular deformity, and one patient lost 20° of shoulder or elbow motion. Among the nonoperatively treated fractures, two were converted to plate fixation because of the treating surgeons' concern regarding alignment and radial nerve palsy. Only one patient had >30° of malalignment in any plane. Two patients had development of skin breakdown during treatment and completed treatment in a sling. Two patients lost ≥20° of elbow or shoulder motion. Conclusions: For extra-articular distal-third diaphyseal humeral fractures, operative treatment achieves more predictable alignment and potentially quicker return of function but risks iatrogenic nerve injury and infection and the need for reoperation. Functional bracing can be associated with skin problems and varying degrees of angular deformity, but function and range of motion are usually excellent. Level of Evidence: Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions to Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Locked nailing of spiral humeral fractures with or without radial nerve entrapment.

The experience of locked nailing of spiral humeral fractures and the perioperative conditions of the radial nerve are reported. The nerve is at risk of entrapment after such a fracture, and severe injury may occur during closed nailing. Among 162 humeral fractures treated by locked nailing, there were 21 spiral fractures: 18 acute fractures, and three delayed unions. The distribution of the fractures was two at the middle and 19 at the distal (1/3). Twelve patients had preoperative radial nerve palsy. All fractures excluding one middle fracture were retrograde nailed, and all patients had radial nerve exploration. Thirteen fractures were locked statically, seven were locked distally and had cerclage wiring, and one was locked distally only. Fisher's exact tests showed that the risk of radial nerve entrapment significantly increased in fractures with varus angulation or resulting from high-energy trauma. All the patients achieved fracture union and regained satisfactory joint functions. The author suggests that in external rotational spiral humeral fractures, radial nerve exploration should be done if nerve entrapment is highly suspected, irrespective of the fracture location or nerve palsy. Locked nailing with transfixing screws or cerclage wire could be a reliable treatment method for these fractures.

Ender nailing of acute humeral shaft fractures in multiple injuries

From January 1987 to April 1993, 25 multiply injured patients were treated with closed intramedullary Ender nail fixation of the humeral shaft. Criteria for the procedure were humeral diaphyseal fractures with associated multiple injuries. Seventeen distal and mid-shaft fractures were treated via a modified anterograde approach in which the rotator cuff is not violated. Eight proximal third fractures were treated via the standard retrograde approach. Postoperative follow-up averaged 36 months. Full range of motion was attained 17 of the 25 patients. Of the eight remaining patients, three with a slightly limited range of motion achieved full range of motion following nail removal; three had preoperative radial nerve palsy which resolved within 1 year, and two patients required follow-on plating. In 92 per cent (23 of 25) there were no incidences of infection or non-union. Flexible nails avoid complications of reaming. The modified anterograde approach allows excellent shoulder motion since it does not violate the rotator cuff. Ender nails provide excellent fixation and clinical outcome in the multiply injured patient and are cost effective compared with interlocking nails.