Radial nerve palsy in humeral shaft fractures with internal fixation: analysis of management and outcome.
Tobias SchwabP F StillhardS SchibliM FurrerC SommerPublished in: European journal of trauma and emergency surgery : official publication of the European Trauma Society (2017)
Our study showed an overall rate of 19% radial nerve palsy in surgically treated humeral shaft fractures. Most of the primary palsies (13%) recovered spontaneously, and therefore, nerve exploration was only exceptionally needed. The incidence of secondary palsy after surgery (6%) was high and mainly seen after plate fixation. In these cases, we recommend early nerve exploration, to detect and treat potential curable neural lesions.