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Pain Reports 2021Peripheral nerve injury is a common cause of lifelong disability in the United States. Although the etiology varies, most traumatic nerve injuries occur in the upper...
INTRODUCTION
Peripheral nerve injury is a common cause of lifelong disability in the United States. Although the etiology varies, most traumatic nerve injuries occur in the upper limb and include damage to the radial nerve. In conjunction with the well-described effects of peripheral damage, nerve injuries are accompanied by changes in the central nervous system. A comprehensive understanding of the functional consequences of nerve injury is necessary to develop new therapeutic interventions.
OBJECTIVES
We sought to characterize changes in sensory and motor function and central neurophysiology after radial nerve injury in rats.
METHODS
To evaluate somatosensory function in the forelimb, we assessed mechanical withdrawal threshold, spontaneous forelimb use, and cold sensitivity in rats 10 and 16 weeks after radial nerve injury. To evaluate motor function, we assessed performance on a forelimb supination task for up to 16 weeks after nerve injury. Physiological changes in the motor and somatosensory cortex were assessed using intracortical microstimulation and multiunit recordings, respectively.
RESULTS
Our results indicate that radial nerve injury causes long-lasting sensory and motor dysfunction. These behavioral deficits are accompanied by abnormal cortical activity in the somatosensory and motor cortex.
CONCLUSION
Our results provide a novel characterization of functional deficits that are consistent with the clinical phenotype in patients with radial nerve injury and provide a framework for future studies to evaluate potential interventions.
PubMed: 35187377
DOI: 10.1097/PR9.0000000000000957 -
BioMed Research International 2023This is the first systematic review of the relationship between humeral shaft fractures and radial nerve palsy in children. The present comprehensive review is aimed at... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
This is the first systematic review of the relationship between humeral shaft fractures and radial nerve palsy in children. The present comprehensive review is aimed at identifying important clinical findings between humeral diaphysis fractures and radial nerve injuries and assessing the effects of treatment.
METHODS
We searched electronic bibliographic databases, including PubMed, the Cochrane Library, Scopus, and Web of Knowledge, until March 2022. This systematic review was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses and the patients, interventions, comparisons, outcomes guidelines.
RESULTS
We identified 23 original papers, of which 10 were eligible for further analysis. Cases of 32 young patients with radial nerve palsy were identified and analyzed. The prevalence of radial nerve palsy was 4.34% (eight cases out of 184 patients with humeral shaft fractures). The radial nerve was most often associated with a simple transverse fracture (12A3, 17 cases (65.4%)).
CONCLUSIONS
Radial nerve injury in humeral shaft fractures in children is rare, with a frequency of 4.34%. We highly recommend early surgical nerve exploration with transverse fractures in the distal third segment combined with primary radial palsy. Furthermore, we recommend making thoughtful decisions regarding early nerve exploration in the Holstein-Lewis fractures. In addition, consideration of early surgical nerve exploration in fractures resulting from high-energy trauma and open fractures despite their morphology is recommended.
Topics: Child; Humans; Radial Neuropathy; Diaphyses; Radial Nerve; Humerus; Humeral Fractures; Fracture Fixation, Internal; Retrospective Studies
PubMed: 38075371
DOI: 10.1155/2023/3974604 -
Cureus Mar 2020Introduction The aim of our study was to describe the injury pattern and outcomes of active-duty subjects that underwent humeral external fixation and to determine if...
Introduction The aim of our study was to describe the injury pattern and outcomes of active-duty subjects that underwent humeral external fixation and to determine if the placement of external fixator pins outside of the radial nerve safe zones is correlated with injury to the radial nerve. Materials and methods We examined all US Service members treated with humeral external fixation at our facility from June 2005 through June 2015. The mechanism of injury, injury pattern, location of external fixation application, pre- and postoperative radial nerve function, presence or absence of radial nerve transection from injury or external fixation, anatomic location of pins in relation to the radial nerve safe zone, and final radial nerve outcomes were recorded. We defined the proximal safe zone as 5 cm distal to the acromion to 14.8 cm proximal to the lateral epicondyle, and we defined the distal safe zone as the proximal 70% of the transepicondylar width of the humerus when projected proximally from the lateral epicondyle. Results For our study, 123 patients were identified over our date range, and 16 subjects were included with documentation regarding nerve function/injury characteristics, appropriate radiographs, and active duty status. Around 80% of injuries resulted from a blast mechanism, and 80% of injury patterns included either an intraarticular or open fracture. The radial nerve safe zone was violated in 15 of the 16 subjects (94%). The one subject with a safe construct did not sustain a nerve injury. Complete preoperative documentation on nerve function was only available for half of the subjects. Two of five subjects known to have intact function prior to external fixation had a postoperative neurologic deficit (40%). Of eight subjects with unknown radial nerve function prior to external fixation, seven subjects had full nerve function at the final follow up, and one subject had partial sensory function only. Of the three subjects with impaired preoperative radial nerve function, two made a full recovery, and the third recovered sensory function only. Around 50% of all subjects required medical retirement. Conclusion External fixation of upper extremity injuries in combat is rarely absolutely indicated, often results in the placement of pins outside of the radial nerve safe zone, and is associated with up to a 40% incidence of radial nerve injury.
PubMed: 32351815
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.7435 -
The American Journal of the Medical... Mar 2023
Topics: Humans; Radial Nerve; Adenocarcinoma
PubMed: 36162453
DOI: 10.1016/j.amjms.2022.09.012 -
The Journal of Hand Surgery, European... Oct 2019While there is now keen interest in restoring function lost through irreparable nerve injury by performing nerve-to-nerve transfer, for some time to come, tendon... (Review)
Review
While there is now keen interest in restoring function lost through irreparable nerve injury by performing nerve-to-nerve transfer, for some time to come, tendon transfers will remain the primary reconstructive procedure for paralytic injuries of the upper limb. A career spanning more than 50 years has permitted the author to try many tendon transfers promoted by past and present colleagues for the three common nerve injuries (median, radial and ulnar) affecting hand function and, eventually, to settle upon those which have provided the most predictable and consistent outcomes. This article describes the author's preferred tendon transfers for high radial and low median and ulnar palsies, providing the rationale behind these choices, operative details supplemented with illustrations, technical tips and advice regarding postoperative rehabilitation.
Topics: Hand; Hand Injuries; Humans; Peripheral Nerve Injuries; Tendon Transfer
PubMed: 31364477
DOI: 10.1177/1753193419864838 -
Journal of Pediatric Orthopedics. Part B May 2022Spiral fractures in the distal third humerus shaft (Holstein-Lewis fracture pattern) have been associated with high risk of radial nerve palsy in adults and surgical... (Review)
Review
Spiral fractures in the distal third humerus shaft (Holstein-Lewis fracture pattern) have been associated with high risk of radial nerve palsy in adults and surgical treatment is recommended as the treatment of choice to remove the entrapped nerve from the fracture site. But this association and treatment approach has not been evaluated in pediatric humerus shaft fractures. In a retrospective study, 38 pediatric patients with Holstein-Lewis fracture configuration were identified after a review of radiographs of 1609 patients with humerus shaft fracture. Age at initial presentation, sex, mechanism of injury, side involved, presence of any associated injuries, neurovascular status, radial nerve status, fracture management, and any complications were noted. Thiry-three (86.8%) patients with mean age 10.1 ± 3.7 years were successfully treated by closed methods. Five patients (13.2%) with mean age 15.2 ± 2.6 years underwent surgical treatment. Contrary to adults, no children/adolescents had radial nerve palsy at presentation. Radiographic healing was acceptable in all cases at latest follow-up. Holstein-Lewis fracture behaves differently in children with no increased risk of radial nerve palsy. Majority can be treated conservatively. The thick periosteum in children may offer protection to the radial nerve and may be responsible for the success of closed treatment.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Child; Fracture Fixation, Internal; Humans; Humeral Fractures; Humerus; Radial Nerve; Radial Neuropathy; Retrospective Studies
PubMed: 34028376
DOI: 10.1097/BPB.0000000000000863 -
The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery.... Apr 2023After a radial nerve injury, patients must weigh a complicated set of advantages and disadvantages to observation or surgery. We conducted semistructured interviews to...
Expectant Management, Tendon Transfer, or Nerve Transfer Surgery for Radial Nerve Injury: A Qualitative Study Exploring Patient Expectations, Goals, and Treatment Experiences.
BACKGROUND
After a radial nerve injury, patients must weigh a complicated set of advantages and disadvantages to observation or surgery. We conducted semistructured interviews to characterize the decision-making process that these patients undertake.
METHODS
We recruited participants who were treated with expectant management (nonoperatively), received only a tendon transfer, or received a nerve transfer. Participants completed a semistructured interview that was transcribed and coded to identify recurring themes, to describe the influence of qualitative findings on treatment decision-making.
RESULTS
We interviewed 15 participants (5 expectant management, 5 tendon transfer only, and 5 nerve transfer). Participants' primary concerns were returning to work, hand appearance, regaining motion, resuming activities of daily living, and enjoying hobbies. Delayed diagnosis and/or insurance coverage led 3 participants to change treatment from nerve transfer to isolated tendon transfer. Interactions with providers early in diagnosis and treatment had strong effects on how members of the care team were perceived. The hand therapist was the primary person who shaped expectations, provided encouragement, and prompted referral to the treating surgeon. Participants valued debate among the care team members regarding treatment, provided that medical terminology was explained.
CONCLUSIONS
This study highlights the importance of initial, collaborative care in setting expectations for patients with radial nerve injuries. Many participants named returning to work and hand appearance as primary concerns. Hand therapists were the primary source of support and information during recovery.
LEVEL OF EVIDENCE
Therapeutic Level IV . See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Topics: Humans; Radial Nerve; Activities of Daily Living; Nerve Transfer; Tendon Transfer; Watchful Waiting; Goals; Motivation
PubMed: 36795855
DOI: 10.2106/JBJS.22.01201 -
Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery Dec 2021Nerve palsy is common after humeral shaft fracture, with the radial nerve being the most commonly injured nerve. Isolated nerve injuries usually recover spontaneously,...
INTRODUCTION
Nerve palsy is common after humeral shaft fracture, with the radial nerve being the most commonly injured nerve. Isolated nerve injuries usually recover spontaneously, and operative intervention is rarely indicated. Our goal was to study the predictors of traumatic nerve injury and recovery in a large cohort of patients with humeral shaft fractures.
METHODS
A total of 376 patients with humeral shaft fracture, including 96 patients with documented traumatic nerve palsy and 280 with intact neurovascular examination on presentation, were retrospectively included in the study. The primary outcome was incidence of a traumatic nerve palsy, and the secondary outcome was nerve recovery.
RESULTS
Nerve palsy was present in 96 patients (25.5%) at the time of injury. Radial nerve was the most commonly injured nerve (93.6%), followed by the ulnar (5.1%) and axillary (1.2%) nerves. Seventeen patients (17.7%) had multiple nerves palsies. A multivariable regression analysis revealed that the concomitant vascular injury (odds ratio [OR] 52, 95% confidence interval [CI] 5.6-480.6), distal one-third fractures (OR 6.3, 95% CI 2.7-14.7), and middle one-third (OR 2.8, 95% CI 1.2-6.5) vs. proximal fractures, open fracture (OR 2.1, 95% CI 1.1-4.4), and high-energy trauma (OR 1.7, 95% CI 1.1-2.9) were independent predictors of nerve palsy. Iatrogenic nerve injury was detected in 7 patients (4.6%), all affecting the radial nerve. Spontaneous recovery of traumatic nerve injuries was detected in 87 patients (91%), with 19% partial and 72% complete recovery. The initial sign of recovery was observed at median times of 7 and 9 weeks for those managed conservatively or fracture fixation. Operative treatment of the fracture had no effect on the outcome of nerve recovery (88.5% vs. 100%, P = .14). Ten patients (14.1%) had transected nerves at the time of exploration and open fractures (22.7% vs. 6.8%, P = .04), and concomitant vascular injury (33.3% vs. 7.3%, P = .02) were associated with nerve transection, portending a worse prognosis for nerve recovery compared with nerves in continuity (40% vs. 95.3%, P = .004).
DISCUSSION
The incidence of nerve injury after humeral shaft fracture was 25%, reflecting an abundance of high-energy and open injuries in this cohort. Ninety-one percent of patients experienced improvement in their nerve function with a median time to recovery of 7-9 weeks. Operative treatment of the fracture did not change the rate of nerve recovery. Patients with multiple nerve palsies and concurrent vascular insult had worse nerve recovery. We recommend nerve studies if no sign of recovery is observed by 9 weeks.
Topics: Fracture Fixation, Internal; Humans; Humeral Fractures; Humerus; Radial Nerve; Radial Neuropathy; Retrospective Studies; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 33964428
DOI: 10.1016/j.jse.2021.04.025 -
Anatomical Record (Hoboken, N.J. : 2007) Jan 2022Large intestine 4 (LI4) is a major acupoint used in various treatments in acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine. There are structures associated within the region...
Large intestine 4 (LI4) is a major acupoint used in various treatments in acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine. There are structures associated within the region of LI4 that have three-dimensional anatomical relationship that needs further characterization. The aims of this study were: (a) to observe the anatomical variation of structures around LI4; (b) to observe specific overlap of structures around LI4. A 1256 mm area was dissected in 25 cadaveric hands around LI4. Nondissected areas were marked with pins as reference points. Dissections were photographed with a fixed camera. Subsequently, images were imported to Adobe Photoshop 2020 and analyzed. Descriptive statistics and graphs were compiled using Graphpad Prism 2020. The tributaries of the dorsal venous plexus (22.3%), branches of superficial radial nerve (18.9%), first dorsal interosseous muscle (52.4%), arterial branches in the first interosseous space (10.2%), and deep ulnar nerve (4.0%) were observed in the area of LI4. One branch of the superficial radial nerve passed through LI4. The deep ulnar nerve was found in the bulk of the first dorsal interosseous muscle. Several structures observed intersected at LI4. The superficial radial nerve interweaved with the dorsal venous plexus superficially. The deep ulnar nerve passed anterior to the second palmar metacarpal artery before entering into the first dorsal interosseous muscle. These results provide anatomical evidence and variation into the vascular contributions at LI4.
Topics: Acupuncture Points; Anatomic Variation; Hand; Humans; Intestine, Large; Radial Artery
PubMed: 34021732
DOI: 10.1002/ar.24681 -
Neuro-Chirurgie Apr 2021Spontaneous radial nerve palsy with the surgical revelation of an hourglass-like constriction is a complicated condition. In general, the surgical strategy is decided in...
INTRODUCTION
Spontaneous radial nerve palsy with the surgical revelation of an hourglass-like constriction is a complicated condition. In general, the surgical strategy is decided in accordance with the results of surgical exploration. This study aimed to investigate the efficacies of various choices of surgical methods in the treatment of hourglass-like radial nerve constrictions.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
Ten patients with spontaneous radial nerve palsy undergoing surgical exploration with the revelation of hourglass-like constrictions between November 2010 and December 2018 were reviewed in our hospital. Preoperative physical, electrophysiological and ultrasound examinations were performed for all patients. Varying levels, degrees and numbers of radial nerve constrictions were shown by surgical exposure. Epineurectomy and interfascicular neurolysis were performed in 4 cases with incomplete constrictions; resection and primary suture repair in 2 radial nerves with neurotmesis; resection and autologous nerve grafting in 4 patients with nerve defect>2cm. Both motor and sensory evaluations were performed at a follow-up visit.
RESULTS
Ten patients underwent different history before the onset of symptom. Nerve ultrasound demonstrated swelling as well as constrictions of the radial nerve. All patients who were followed up presented with good to excellent recovery of motor function. The effectiveness of suture and autograft repair tended to be better than that of simple neurolysis.
CONCLUSION
The etiology of hourglass-like fascicular constrictive neuropathy of radial nerve involve with torsional factors. Nerve ultrasound is an important and useful measurement in diagnosing the pathology of spontaneous radial nerve palsy and in helping determine surgical approach. The surgical intervention is beneficial for the patients who do not recover in 4 weeks after onset of symptoms and for severe hourglass-like constrictions that are confirmed by preoperative ultrasound imaging. We recommend that nerve grafting be a suitable method in confrontation of nerve defect>2cm.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Child; Constriction, Pathologic; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Neurosurgical Procedures; Radial Nerve; Radial Neuropathy; Retrospective Studies; Treatment Outcome; Young Adult
PubMed: 33493542
DOI: 10.1016/j.neuchi.2021.01.010