29/10/2023
A 65-year-old female has been planned for ORIF after fall on ground with locked compression plating LCP via antero-lateral approach.
As a diabetic patient she has a higher risk of complications with non-oprative management of this fracture. Therefore, bone graft along with bridging plate technique were used to achieve rigid fixation and enhance healing. Radial nerve was identified and protected.
Note that :
Radial nerve palsy is quite common and can be seen in about 15% of closed fractures (more common in distal humerus)
Neuropraxia most common injury in closed fractures, while neurotomesis in open fractures
Iatrogenic radial nerve palsy is most common in ORIF (10-20%)
The good news is that 85-90% of cases improve with observation over 3 months , and spontaneous full recovery found at an average of 6 months.
