Posterior interosseous nerve palsy: an unusual complication of rheumatoid arthritis: case report and review of the literature.
OBJECTIVE
Posterior interosseous nerve (PIN) palsy is a very rare complication of rheumatoid arthritis affecting the elbow joint. It results in weakness of extension of the fingers and may be confused with extensor tendon rupture and wrist drop due to radial nerve damage.


METHODS
We present a case of PIN palsy secondary to rheumatoid synovitis and review the previously reported cases.


RESULTS
Eighteen cases of PIN palsy due to rheumatoid arthritis have been reported so far in the literature.


CONCLUSIONS
It is important to recognize this complication and early intervention is necessary to prevent permanent damage.
Department of Rheumatology, University Hospitals of Leicester, Infirmary Square, Leicester, United Kingdom. aruna.malipeddi@uhl-tr.nhs.uk
Aruna
A
Malipeddi
V Ram M
VR
Reddy
George
G
Kallarackal
D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000150:complications* / Q000503:physiopathology; D016206:Databases, Bibliographic; D004551:Elbow Joint / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009408:Nerve Compression Syndromes / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D011239:Prednisolone / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011826:Radial Nerve / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology; D020425:Radial Neuropathy / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D020127:Recovery of Function; D013585:Synovitis / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000503:physiopathology
D005938:Glucocorticoids; D011239:Prednisolone