Ulnar nerve palsy following fracture of the shaft of the humerus.
We present an unusual case of ulnar nerve palsy associated with humeral shaft fracture. Initial examination showed swelling and tenderness. No mention of neurological deficit was found in the patient's file. Radiography showed a displaced midshaft fracture. Closed reduction and intramedullary nailing were performed. Ulnar nerve palsy was noted by the attending physician afterward, and, after four months of nonoperative treatment without any obvious improvement, the patient was referred to our center. During surgery, the nerve was found to be transected and an end-to-end repair was performed. Five months after surgery, signs of motor recovery were present. This case demonstrates that ulnar nerve injury can occur with a closed fracture of the humeral shaft.
Stahl
S
S
Hand Surgery Unit, Rambam Medical Center and Faculty of Medicine, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa.
Rosen
N
N
Moscona
R
R
D000328:Adult; D005594:Fracture Fixation, Intramedullary; D005596:Fractures, Closed / Q000150:complications* / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D006810:Humeral Fractures / Q000150:complications* / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male; D009380:Neoplasms, Nerve Tissue / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery; D009463:Neuroma / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery; D010243:Paralysis / Q000209:etiology*; D014459:Ulnar Nerve / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery