Long-term functional results after radial nerve repair
Abstract
Methods: The study included 18 (15 males, 3 females) patients who underwent middle level end-to-end radial nerve repair and who responded to our final follow-up call. Patients’ average age was 30 (range: 16 to 43) years. The average time lapse between injury and repair was 25.1 days (range: 1 day to 13 months). Pinch and grip strength measurements were graded according to the modified Verga classification. The Highet classification was used for the evaluation of sensorial recovery. Functional outcome were assessed with the DASH-T score. Average follow-up time was 62.5 (range: 24 to 156) months.
Results: Motor function according to the Verga classification was excellent in 16 patients and poor in two. Pinch and grip power measurement comparison of the two sides in the 16 patients with excellent results showed a respective 24.1% and 14.3% decrease on the affected side. According to Highet’s classification, sensorial evaluation was S4 in seven patients, S3+ in four,
S3 in three, S2+ in one, S2 in one, and S1 in two patients. The average DASH-T score of patients with excellent results was 7.3.
Conclusion: Radial nerve repairs, if done end-to-end using an appropriate technique, may lead to nearly full recovery in younger patients.
Keywords
Details
Primary Language
English
Subjects
Health Care Administration
Journal Section
Research Article
Authors
Yusuf Gurbuz
This is me
Murat Kayalar
This is me
Emin Bal
This is me
Tahir Sugun
This is me
Kemal Ozaksar
This is me
Yalcin Ademoglu
This is me
Publication Date
January 18, 2012
Submission Date
March 7, 2014
Acceptance Date
-
Published in Issue
Year 2011 Volume: 45 Number: 6