Fractures of the distal third of the humerus with palsy of the radial nerve: management using minimally-invasive percutaneous plate osteosynthesis.
Fractures of the distal third of the humerus may be complicated by complete lesions of the radial nerve which may be entrapped or compressed by bone fragments. Indirect reduction and internal fixation may result in a permanent nerve lesion. We describe the treatment of these lesions by insertion of a bridge plate using the minimally-invasive percutaneous technique. Six patients were operated on and showed complete functional recovery. Healing of the fractures occurred at a mean of 2.7 months (2 to 3) and complete neurological recovery by a mean of 2.3 months (1 to 5). In one patient infection occurred which resolved after removal of the implant.
Livani
B
B
Resident Orthopedics and Traumatology, Department Cicade Universitária Zeferino Vaz, CEP 13083-970, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil. brunolivani@hotmail.com
Belangero
W D
WD
Castro de Medeiros
R
R
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001860:Bone Plates; D004551:Elbow Joint / Q000503:physiopathology; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D006810:Humeral Fractures / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D019060:Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D020425:Radial Neuropathy / Q000209:etiology*; D011859:Radiography; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D020127:Recovery of Function; D016896:Treatment Outcome