Avoiding iatrogenic radial nerve injury during humeral fracture surgery: a modified approach to the distal humerus
Abstract
Methods: Seventy-two patients who underwent surgery for a distal humerus fracture between 1996 and 2002 were reviewed. These 72 patients comprised Group 1. Following a cadaveric study on the vascularization of the radial nerve, a modified surgical approach was undertaken starting in 2002. Sixty-one patients who underwent this new surgical approach were included in Group 2. The rates of radial nerve deficit of the groups were compared using the Pearson chi-square test.
Results: In Group 1, 19 iatrogenic nerve deficits occurred. After defining the blood circulation of the nerve, the lateral approach was modified. The anterolateral side of the nerve was released and the nerve was left attached to the triceps muscle. In Group 2, one patient developed postoperative transient nerve deficit.
Conclusion: The radial nerve is supplied by the branches of the deep brachial artery in close relation with the triceps muscle. Anterior dissection and posterior retraction of the radial nerve during lateral approach may preserve its blood supply and reduces the risk of iatrogenic injury.
Keywords
Details
Primary Language
English
Subjects
Health Care Administration
Journal Section
Research Article
Authors
Ahmet Yildirim
This is me
Ozdamar Oken
This is me
Vuslat Unal
This is me
Ali Esmer
This is me
Murat Gulcek
This is me
Ahmet Ucaner
This is me
Publication Date
March 23, 2012
Submission Date
March 7, 2014
Acceptance Date
-
Published in Issue
Year 2012 Volume: 46 Number: 1