title: Nerve palsies related to pediatric upper extremity fractures.
abstract: In every child who has a fracture, neurologic examination is essential at initial assessment so that early diagnosis of nerve injury can be made. Electrodiagnostic studies may be helpful in diagnosis when the examination is equivocal and in follow-up to look for signs of recovery. In a patient who has neurologic deficits associated with a fracture, nerve exploration should be considered for open fractures, fractures that require open reduction, and palsies that develop after fracture reduction. For closed fractures associated with nerve palsy at the time of initial injury, observation and serial examination after reduction is recommended. If there is no return of nerve function on examination or electrodiagnostic testing by 4 months, operative exploration is indicated.
authors.affiliation: The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Division of Orthopedic Surgery, 2nd Floor, Wood Building, 34th Street and Civic Center Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
authors.forename: Harish S
authors.initials: HS
authors.lastname: Hosalkar
authors.forename: Jonas L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Matzon
authors.forename: Benjamin
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Chang
mesh_terms: D002648:Child; D003161:Compartment Syndromes / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery; D019299:Decompression, Surgical; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000150:complications*; D006801:Humans; D009431:Neural Conduction; D010243:Paralysis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery; D059348:Peripheral Nerve Injuries; D010525:Peripheral Nerves / Q000502:physiology / Q000601:surgery; D034941:Upper Extremity / Q000293:injuries* / Q000294:innervation