Nerve lesions in primary shoulder dislocations and humeral neck fractures. A prospective clinical and EMG study.
The incidence of nerve injuries in primary shoulder dislocation and humeral neck fracture is uncertain. We made a prospective study of 101 patients, using clinical examination and extensive electrophysiological assessment when there was suspicion of nerve damage. We found electrophysiological evidence of nerve injury in 45%, most involving the axillary, suprascapular, radial and musculocutaneous nerves. There were significantly more nerve injuries in older patients and those with a haematoma. Most patients recovered partially or completely in less than four months, and only eight had persistent motor loss. Early diagnosis and physiotherapy are recommended.
de Laat
E A
EA
Leyenburg Hospital, Hague, The Netherlands.
Visser
C P
CP
Coene
L N
LN
Pahlplatz
P V
PV
Tavy
D L
DL
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002648:Child; D004576:Electromyography; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D059348:Peripheral Nerve Injuries; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011826:Radial Nerve / Q000293:injuries; D012782:Shoulder / Q000294:innervation*; D012783:Shoulder Dislocation / Q000150:complications*; D012784:Shoulder Fractures / Q000150:complications*