Combined radial and median nerve injury in diaphyseal fracture of humerus: a case report

Abstract

【Abstract】Radial nerve palsy is the most common neurological involvement in humeral shaft fractures. But combined radial and median nerve injury in a closed dia- physeal fracture of the humerus is rare. Combined injury to both radial and median nerve can cause significant disability. A detailed clinical examination is therefore necessary fol- lowing humeral shaft fractures. We report a patient with closed diaphyseal humeral fracture (AO 12A-2.3) together with radial and median nerve palsy, its management and review of the literature. As the patient had two nerves involved, surgical exploration was planned. Fracture was reduced and fixed with a 4.5 mm narrow dynamic compres- sion plate. There was no external injury to both radial and median nerves on surgical exploration. Neurological reco- very started at 3 weeks’ follow-up. Complete recovery was seen at 12 weeks. Careful clinical examination is of the ut- most importance in early diagnosis of combined nerve injuries, which allows better management and rehabilitation of the patient. Key words: Humeral fractures; Radial nerve; Me- dian nerve; Diaphyses; Paralysis