Radial nerve palsy associated with humeral shaft fracture: evaluation with US--initial experience.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the feasibility of using ultrasonography (US) for evaluation of a radial nerve injury associated with humeral shaft fracture.


METHODS
In a prospective study, 11 consecutive patients with sensorimotor radial deficiency after distal humeral fracture were evaluated with conventional radiography, US, electroneurography, and electromyography. Surgical repair of the fracture and nerve inspection were performed in five patients. The remaining six patients were successfully treated conservatively. The US appearance of the radial nerve was studied in 10 healthy volunteers and in the noninjured arm of the 11 patients for comparison.


RESULTS
In five patients, US findings of a severely damaged radial nerve were confirmed at surgical nerve inspection. In one patient, the nerve was entrapped between fragments. One patient had a complete nerve dissection, one had a lacerated nerve from a loose compression plate, and one had a nerve riding on the edge of a bone fragment. In the fifth patient who underwent surgical inspection, the nerve was buried in the callus. In the six patients treated conservatively, US showed continuity of the nerve.


CONCLUSIONS
US may be useful for accurate evaluation of the radial nerve in patients with nerve palsy associated with humeral shaft fracture.
Bodner
G
G
Department of Radiology, University Hospital of Innsbruck, Anichstrasse 35, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria. gerd.bodner@uibk.ac.at
Buchberger
W
W
Schocke
M
M
Bale
R
R
Huber
B
B
Harpf
C
C
Gassner
E
E
Jaschke
W
W
D000328:Adult; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006810:Humeral Fractures / Q000150:complications* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011826:Radial Nerve / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries*; D020425:Radial Neuropathy / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000209:etiology; D014463:Ultrasonography