Ulnar Nerve Complications Research Articles

Predictors of Adverse Events in the Surgical Treatment of Adult Distal Humerus Fractures.

The purpose of this study was to identify surgical complications after distal humerus fracture fixation as well as correlations between these complications and patient variables. A total of 132 patients underwent open reduction and internal fixation of traumatic distal humerus fractures between October 2011 and June 2018. Included were adult patients who underwent surgical fixation and had more than 6 months of follow-up. Excluded were patients with inadequate radiographic imaging, less than 6 months of follow-up, and previous distal humerus surgery. Multivariate logistic regression models controlling for age and body mass index were used to determine preoperative factors predictive of postoperative complications. A total of 73 patients were included in this analysis. Surgical complications were reported for 17 patients. Reoperation was required for 13 patients. Open injury at presentation was predictive of delayed union. Predictors of subsequent elbow surgery included younger age, polytrauma, open fracture, and ulnar nerve injury at the time of injury. Radial nerve injury at the time of presentation was also a risk factor for postoperative radial nerve symptoms. Predictors of postoperative heterotopic ossification included older age. Thirty-one patients had an olecranon osteotomy during their open reduction and internal fixation and none went on to nonunion. There were 13 patients with ulnar nerve complications. Of these patients, 3 had undergone an ulnar nerve transposition. None of the other studied variables were predictors of complications, malunion, or nonunion at latest follow-up. Although open reduction and internal fixation is effective in treating distal humerus fractures, its complications cannot be overlooked. Open fractures are more likely to go on to delayed union. Ulnar nerve injury, open fracture, and polytrauma were predictive for reoperation. Older patients were less likely to have subsequent surgery but more likely to develop heterotopic ossification. By identifying at-risk patients, managing physicians can better prognosticate and counsel patients on their recovery. [Orthopedics. 2023;46(6):352-357.].

Ulnar Nerve Complications After Ulnar Collateral Ligament Reconstruction of the Elbow: A Systematic Review

Background: While ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction (UCLR) of the elbow is an increasingly commonly performed procedure with excellent results reported in the published literature, less attention has been paid to specifically on the characterization of postoperative ulnar nerve complications, and it is unclear what operative strategies may influence the likelihood of these complications. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to examine the prevalence and type of ulnar nerve complications after UCLR of the elbow based on the entirety of previously published outcomes in the English literature. In addition, this study examined how the rate of ulnar nerve complications varied as a function of surgical exposures, graft fixation techniques, and ulnar nerve management strategies. Study Design: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Methods: A systematic review of the literature was completed using the MEDLINE, PubMed, and Ovid databases. UCLR case series that contained complications data were included. Ulnar neuropathy was defined as any symptoms or objective sensory and/or motor deficit(s) after surgery, including resolved transient symptoms. Meta-analysis of the pooled data was completed. Results: Seventeen articles (n = 1518 cases) met the inclusion criteria, all retrospective cohort studies. The mean prevalence of postoperative ulnar neuropathy was 12.0% overall after any UCLR procedure at a mean follow-up of 3.3 years, and 0.8% of cases required reoperation to address ulnar neuropathy. There were no cases of intraoperative ulnar nerve injury reported. The surgical approach associated with the highest rate of neuropathy was detachment of flexor pronator mass (FPM) (21.9%) versus muscle retraction (15.9%) and muscle splitting (3.9%). The fixation technique associated with the highest rate of neuropathy was the modified Jobe (16.9%) versus DANE TJ (9.1%), figure-of-8 (9.0%), interference screw (5.0%), docking technique (3.3%), hybrid suture anchor-bone tunnel (2.9%), and modified docking (2.5%). Concomitant ulnar nerve transposition was associated with a higher neuropathy rate (16.1%) compared with no handling of the ulnar nerve (3.9%). Among cases with concomitant transposition performed, submuscular transposition resulted in a higher rate of reoperation for ulnar neuropathy (12.7%) compared with subcutaneous transposition (0.0%). Conclusion: Despite a perception that UCLR has minimal morbidity, a review of all published literature revealed that 12.0% of UCLR surgeries result in postoperative ulnar nerve complications. UCLR techniques associated with the highest rates of neuropathy were detachment of the FPM, modified Jobe fixation, and concomitant ulnar nerve transposition, although it remains unclear whether there is a causal relationship between these factors and subsequent development of postoperative ulnar neuropathy due to limitations in the current body of published literature.

Ulnar Nerve Complications Following Ulnar Collateral Ligament Reconstruction of the Elbow: A Systematic Review

Ulnar Nerve Complications Following Ulnar Collateral Ligament Reconstruction of the Elbow: A Systematic Review

Liberação percutânea do cotovelo de golfista sob anestesia local: um estudo prospectivo

ObjectivesTo evaluate the results of percutaneous golfer's elbow release under local anesthesia. MethodsFrom December 2010 to December 2013, 34 elbows in 34 patients (10 males and 24 females) that presented golfer's elbow for over one year were recruited from the outpatient department. All patients were operated under local anesthesia and were followed‐up for 12 months. The functional outcome was evaluated through the Mayo Elbow Performance Index (MEPI). ResultsPain relief was achieved on average eight weeks after surgery. The results were excellent in 88.23% (30/34) cases and good in 11.76% (4/34) cases. Neither wound‐related complications nor ulnar nerve complications were observed. On subjective evaluations, 88.23% (30/34) patients reported full satisfaction and 11.76% (4/34) patients reported partial satisfaction with the results of treatment. ConclusionPercutaneous golfer's elbow release under local anesthesia is a minimally invasive procedure that can be performed in an outpatient setting. This procedure is easy, quick, and economical, presenting a low complication rate with good results.

Percutaneous golfer's elbow release under local anesthesia: a prospective study

ObjectivesTo evaluate the results of percutaneous golfer's elbow release under local anesthesia. MethodsFrom December 2010 to December 2013, 34 elbows in 34 patients (10 males and 24 females) that presented golfer's elbow for over one year were recruited from the outpatient department. All patients were operated under local anesthesia and were followed-up for 12 months. The functional outcome was evaluated through the Mayo Elbow Performance Index (MEPI). ResultsPain relief was achieved on average eight weeks after surgery. The results were excellent in 88.23% (30/34) cases and good in 11.76% (4/34) cases. Neither wound-related complications nor ulnar nerve complications were observed. On subjective evaluations, 88.23% (30/34) patients reported full satisfaction and 11.76% (4/34) patients reported partial satisfaction with the results of treatment. ConclusionPercutaneous golfer's elbow release under local anesthesia is a minimally invasive procedure that can be performed in an outpatient setting. This procedure is easy, quick, and economical, presenting a low complication rate with good results.

Outcomes After Ulnar Nerve In Situ Release During Total Elbow Arthroplasty

Ulnar nerve (UN) lesions are a significant complication after total elbow arthroplasty (TEA), with potentially debilitating consequences. Outcomes from a center, which routinely performs an in situ release of the nerve without transposition, were investigated. Eighty-three primary TEAs were retrospectively reviewed for the intraoperative management of the UN and presence of postoperative UN symptoms. Three patients had documented preoperative UN symptoms. One patient had a prior UN transposition. The nerve was transposed at the time of TEA in 4 of the remaining 82 elbows (5%). The indication for transposition in all cases was abnormal tracking or increased tension on the nerve after insertion of the prosthesis. Of the 4 patients who underwent UN transposition, 2 had postoperative UN symptoms. Both were neuropraxias, which resolved in the early postoperative period. The remaining 78 TEAs received an in situ release of the nerve. The incidence of postoperative UN symptoms in the in situ release group was 5% (4 of 78). Two patients had resolution of symptoms, whereas 2 continued to experience significant UN symptoms requiring subsequent transposition. Seven patients had preoperative flexion of less than 100°. Of these, 2 had a UN transposition at the time of TEA. Of the remaining 5 elbows with preoperative flexion less than 100°, 2 had postoperative UN symptoms after in situ release, with 1 requiring subsequent UN transposition. A 3% incidence of significant UN complications after TEA compares favorably with systematic reviews. We do not believe that transposition, which adds to the handling of the nerve and increases surgical time, is routinely indicated and should rather be reserved for cases with marked limitation of preoperative elbow flexion or when intraoperative assessment by the surgeon deems it necessary. Therapeutic IV.

Radial Nerve Injury During Double Plating of a Displaced Intercondylar Fracture

Double-plate fixation is a popular treatment method for intercondylar humeral fractures. Ulnar nerve complications are emphasized, but radial nerve complications are rarely mentioned. We present a case of iatrogenic radial nerve palsy following open reduction and double plating of a supracondylar/intercondylar fracture of the humerus. Before surgery, only a sensory deficit in the radial nerve territory was present, but after surgery, there was a complete motor deficit of the wrist and finger extensors. On exploration, a segment of nerve was found crushed within the reduced lateral condyle fracture site, with a screw from the posteroradial plate going through the nerve. Although rare, radial nerve injury can occur with posteriorly displaced supracondylar/intercondylar humerus fractures. When preoperative signs of radial nerve injury are present, we recommend that the radial nerve be identified and protected during double-plate fixation.

Complications of total elbow replacement: A systematic review

Total elbow arthroplasty (TEA) is becoming an increasingly popular reconstructive procedure. Improved surgical techniques, newer implant designs, and improving clinical results have each contributed to the rise in prevalence of this surgical intervention. Themost common indication remains rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, with the advent of semiconstrained prostheses, the indications have expanded to include post-traumatic sequelae such as instability and arthritis, as well as acute comminuted distal humerus fractures in the elderly. The rate of complications following TEA, ranging from 20% to 45%, is higher than in other large joint replacements. In their review of the literature, Gschwend et al reported a complication rate of 43% including aseptic loosening, infections, ulnar nerve complications, instability, disassembly, dislocation, subluxation, intraoperative fractures, fractures of the prosthesis, and ectopic bone formation. In order to reduce these complications, a variety of technical advances have been made within the last decade in the areas of prosthetic design and surgical technique. Fully constrained prostheses have fallen out of favor due to their high rates of aseptic loosening. They have been largely replaced by linked and unlinked components. The linked prostheses are semi-constrained and utilize ‘‘sloppy hinges,’’ which both decrease the rate of aseptic

The role of lateral-entry Steinmann pins in the treatment of pediatric supracondylar humerus fractures

Loss of pin fixation in supracondylar fractures can occur with failure to achieve bicortical fixation. Bicortical fixation may be challenging for those pins that attempt to penetrate the diaphyseal cortex, where the bone is thick. Lateral-entry Steinmann pins may allow for better penetration through cortical bone because they are more rigid than typical Kirschner wires. A retrospective review of 16 children with type III supracondylar fractures treated by a single surgeon using Steinmann pins was undertaken. The average age at presentation was 6years. Following closed reduction, all fractures were maintained with three lateral-entry pins. At least one Steinmann pin was placed in the lateral column of the distal humerus in each pin construct. Follow-up radiographs indicated a mean Baumann's angle of 72.9° (range 64°-82°). There was no statistically significant change in the Baumann's angle or axial alignment at final follow-up. All but one fracture healed in an anatomic position on the lateral view. Steinmann pins placed through a lateral-entry point are effective in controlling the reduction of high-grade supracondylar fractures. The fixation is excellent and avoids potential ulnar nerve complications of medial entry.

Medial Collateral Ligament Reconstruction

Medial Collateral Ligament Reconstruction

Localization of the ulnar nerve during percutaneous wiring of supracondylar fractures in children

Injury of the ulnar nerve may occur when using percutaneous Kirschner wires (K-wires) in the treatment of supracondylar humeral fractures of the elbow especially in children whose bony landmarks are masked by swelling. We describe a technique in which this complication can be avoided during the procedure. The nerve is located first using a needle attached to a nerve stimulator. The K-wire is then inserted 0.5 to 0.75 mm anterior and parallel to the needle. Ten supracondylar fractures of the humerus were stabilized using this procedure and there were no ulnar nerve complications.

Nonconstrained Total Elbow Arthroplasty

Thirty capitellocondylar unhinged implant arthroplasties were performed on 27 patients during the period from October 1976 through June 1981. The average patient age was 59.4 years, with a preoperative diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis in 28 elbows and osteoarthritis in two elbows. Follow-up periods averaged 39.9 months (range, 10-62 months). The indication for elbow arthroplasty were intractable pain, joint instability, failed synovectomy, or bilateral limitation of motion. Ranged of motion evaluations showed moderate increases in flexion, pronation and supination after operation, although there was no significant improvement in extension. Ewald functional evaluation scores improved significantly from the mean of eight points prior to operation to the postoperative mean of 85 points. The significant complications occurring were deep wound infections, necessitating removal of the prosthesis (6.6%), and subluxation (13.2%), which responded to conservative treatment by long-arm casting. One patient required reconstruction of the medial collateral ligament for subluxation. Ulnar nerve paresthesia developed in 10% of the patients. One patient required neurolysis and transposition of the nerve for relief of symptoms. The posterolateral approach was adopted to reduce the incidence of ulnar nerve complications.